A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping.

Portland, Maine and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Portland, Maine and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Portland, Maine different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. 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.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

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

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting 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.

Is Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Portland, Maine or Fairbanks.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portland, Maine and Fairbanks make for a nice place to visit.

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

Neither Portland, Maine or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The outdoorsy destination of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque coastal town of Portland, Maine. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Fairbanks?

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

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

Portland, Maine is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine 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. In the autumn, Portland, Maine is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland, Maine in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Portland, Maine. In January, Portland, Maine is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 21°F (-6°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Portland, Maine is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Portland, Maine