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

Should you visit Moab or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Moab or Fairbanks? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and hiking.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Moab and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing and museums. Moab is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. 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 Moab different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Moab or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Moab 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.

Moab is not a skiing destination.

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

Fairbanks is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

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

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

Moab is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

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 Moab or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Moab 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 Moab. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

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 Moab or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Moab 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 Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

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 Moab or Fairbanks?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Fairbanks offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Moab or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Moab 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 Moab. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Moab makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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 Moab or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Moab and Fairbanks are high quality places to visit.

Moab is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

Fairbanks is a great town 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.

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

Neither Moab or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

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 Moab or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Moab is generally not a very walkable town. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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 Moab Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Moab?

How long in Moab or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Moab or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Moab due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

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

One day in Moab or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Moab. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Moab or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and food around the scenic destination of Moab. 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.

Fairbanks is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Moab or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic town of Moab. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Moab or Fairbanks?

Moab 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.

The unique city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 Moab and Fairbanks, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Fairbanks much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairbanks would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairbanks 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in Fairbanks.

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

Which is Bigger, Moab or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab 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.