A Travel Price Comparison for Alaska Ketchikan vs. Fairbanks for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ketchikan and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Ketchikan different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Ketchikan and Fairbanks have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Ketchikan is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

Both Ketchikan and Fairbanks are notable shopping destinations.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fairbanks. 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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Ketchikan or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ketchikan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

One day in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local town of Ketchikan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique city of Fairbanks. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Ketchikan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ketchikan is generally cooler than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the autumn. Ketchikan is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Fairbanks. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Ketchikan is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Ketchikan is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In April, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Ketchikan