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

Should you visit Nashville 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 Nashville 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.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nashville or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. 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 Nashville different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Nashville is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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 Nashville or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nashville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

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

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nashville 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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Both Nashville and Fairbanks are notable to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

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 Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Nashville and Fairbanks are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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.

Is Nashville or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Neither Nashville or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

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 Nashville or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Nashville or Fairbanks are walkable places.

Nashville is not a very walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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 Nashville Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

You'll find food and museums around the city of Nashville. 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 Nashville or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Nashville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Nashville or Fairbanks?

Nashville 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 Nashville and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Nashville.

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

Which is Bigger, Nashville or Fairbanks?

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

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

In July, Nashville is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nashville or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Nashville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, 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. Nashville is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Nashville usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nashville or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Nashville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nashville is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Nashville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nashville or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Fairbanks. The spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In April, Nashville is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Nashville