A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greenville vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Greenville or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Greenville and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a hospitable, southern, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Greenville and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greenville or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Greenville and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fairbanks is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greenville attracts visitors for its nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Greenville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Greenville is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Greenville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greenville or Fairbanks?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks and Greenville.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greenville. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is the Food Better in Greenville or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Greenville and Fairbanks can be an enjoyable experience.

Greenville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Greenville is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Fairbanks?

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Fairbanks both offer plenty of nice spots.

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Greenville or Fairbanks.

Greenville offers lots of family activities. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is very good for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Greenville is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. While there are students in the area, there is little else to bring backpackers to town.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Greenville or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Greenville is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Greenville or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Couples should spend more time in Fairbanks than Greenville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fairbanks that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Greenville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fairbanks.

One day in Greenville or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Greenville. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greenville has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the remote city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greenville or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hospitable destination of Greenville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greenville or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the southern city of Greenville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greenville or Fairbanks?

Greenville is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Greenville and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Greenville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Greenville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Greenville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Greenville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Greenville Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Greenville or Fairbanks?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Fairbanks, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.