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

Should you visit Norfolk or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fairbanks than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fairbanks is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Norfolk is more popular for its food and nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Also, Fairbanks is famous for The Northern Lights. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Norfolk is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Norfolk and Fairbanks have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Norfolk is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

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

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Fairbanks.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

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

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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 Norfolk or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Norfolk. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the blue collar destination of Norfolk. 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.

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the blue collar city of Norfolk. 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.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Fairbanks?

Norfolk 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Fairbanks?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Norfolk is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Norfolk during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Fairbanks. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Norfolk