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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Fairbanks can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Fairbanks

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

Milwaukee and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Milwaukee and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Fairbanks has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Milwaukee 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 home to The Northern Lights. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Milwaukee and Fairbanks.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Fairbanks.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Fairbanks may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Milwaukee and Fairbanks.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks to go 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Both Milwaukee and Fairbanks are good to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Fairbanks makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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 Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

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

Couples should spend more time in Fairbanks than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Milwaukee. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Milwaukee. 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the outdoorsy 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Milwaukee. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

Milwaukee 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 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Fairbanks?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milwaukee is a little warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In July, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Milwaukee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. In October, Milwaukee is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Milwaukee can be very cold during winter. Milwaukee is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Milwaukee or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Fairbanks. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In the spring, Milwaukee is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Milwaukee