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

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

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking.

Pensacola and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Pensacola has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pensacola is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pensacola is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Pensacola different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Pensacola is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Pensacola is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Pensacola and Fairbanks.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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.

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

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

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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 Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

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

Pensacola is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Pensacola. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

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.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Fairbanks?

Both Pensacola and Fairbanks are good shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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 Pensacola or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a great city 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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

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

Neither Pensacola or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

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 Pensacola or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. 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 Pensacola or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town 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 Pensacola or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active beach town of Pensacola. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic 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 Pensacola or Fairbanks?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, one week is sufficent for most. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Fairbanks?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Pensacola during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pensacola is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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 October, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Should I visit Pensacola or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Fairbanks. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Additionally, 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. Pensacola is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Pensacola is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Pensacola