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

Should you visit Houston or Fairbanks?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Fairbanks. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking.

Houston and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Houston different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Houston or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Houston is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Houston is not a skiing destination.

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

Houston is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's 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 Houston or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. 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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Houston or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Houston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. 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 Houston or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Houston and Fairbanks both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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.

Is Houston or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Fairbanks is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Houston 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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 Houston or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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 Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Houston?

How long in Houston or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Houston or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Houston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Fairbanks 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 Houston.

One day in Houston or Fairbanks?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Fairbanks?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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.

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind city of Houston. 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 is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Fairbanks?

Houston 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Houston and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Fairbanks?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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.

When is the best time to visit Houston or Fairbanks?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Houston or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Fairbanks. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Houston is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Houston