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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a skiing destination.

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

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Fairbanks are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Fairbanks both nice destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. 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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this unique city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Fairbanks is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Jacksonville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Jacksonville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jacksonville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Jacksonville is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Jacksonville is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Jacksonville