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

Should you visit Providence or Fairbanks?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Fairbanks. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Providence and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Providence and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fairbanks is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Providence and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks and Providence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Providence or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Providence 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 Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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 Providence or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Fairbanks?

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Fairbanks both offer plenty of nice spots.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. 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 Providence or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Both Providence and Fairbanks are nice family-friendly destinations.

Providence offers lots of family activities. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Providence or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Providence and Fairbanks both nice destinations for a couple.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

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 Providence or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Providence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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 Providence or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Providence?

How long in Providence or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. 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.

With museums and shopping around the unique city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Providence. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Providence or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Fairbanks?

Providence 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Providence or Fairbanks?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Fairbanks. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Providence is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Providence or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Providence is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Providence is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Providence or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Providence is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Providence