A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Fairbanks for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

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

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a party-filled, busy, and jam-packed beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping.

Myrtle Beach and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Fairbanks both to be reasonable destinations.

Myrtle Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

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

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Fairbanks is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Fairbanks are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Neither Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Public transit is quite limited 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife around the beach city of Myrtle Beach. 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 Arctic 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife around the busy destination of Myrtle Beach. 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 beach city has to offer. This beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife around the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the unique 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Myrtle Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Myrtle Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Furthermore, 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. In January, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Myrtle Beach