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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Nantucket and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing and impressive beauty. Nantucket is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. 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 Nantucket different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nantucket or Fairbanks.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Nantucket is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

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

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Nantucket and Fairbanks.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

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

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantucket or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Nantucket has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantucket than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Fairbanks, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

In July, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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. Nantucket is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, 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 Nantucket in the winter. In the winter, Nantucket is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Nantucket