A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Salt Lake City vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Hiking, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Salt Lake City and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Salt Lake City and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Salt Lake City is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Salt Lake City different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Salt Lake City is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Salt Lake City offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Salt Lake City. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Salt Lake City and Fairbanks.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Salt Lake City or Fairbanks.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly city. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Salt Lake City and Fairbanks are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Salt Lake City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options 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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

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

Salt Lake City has some public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

One day in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Salt Lake City. 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.

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the architectural destination of Salt Lake City. 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.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the architectural city of Salt Lake City. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Salt Lake City 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Fairbanks?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake City 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.