Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Pensacola?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pensacola or Fairfield?
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 Fairfield can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pensacola or Fairfield?
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPensacola $198Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pensacola and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPensacola $115Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPensacola $230Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Fairfield? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pensacola $64Fairfield -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Pensacola change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPensacola $48Fairfield $30
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pensacola $13Fairfield $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
- 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
- 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
- Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
- Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
- Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
- Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPensacola $44Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Fairfield, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola than you might in Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Fairfield, 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 Fairfield?
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 Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Fairfield. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPensacola 82°F (28°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Pensacola is a little warmer than Fairfield in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Fairfield fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPensacola 69°F (21°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Pensacola is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Fairfield averages at about 46°F (8°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Fairfield. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPensacola 51°F (10°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Pensacola or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Fairfield. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches.
In April, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPensacola 67°F (20°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Pensacola
| Pensacola | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.