A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Fe vs. Fairbanks for Food, Hiking, Backpackers, and Skiing

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

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a cultural, historic, and charming historic town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music.

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.

Santa Fe and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Santa Fe and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Santa Fe different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe 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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

Santa Fe is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Santa Fe or Fairbanks.

Santa Fe offers lots of family activities. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Santa Fe and Fairbanks are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Santa Fe is a good historic town for couples to visit. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic 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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Santa Fe or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Santa Fe is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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 Santa Fe or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Santa Fe?

How long in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Santa Fe or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Santa Fe due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Santa Fe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe than Fairbanks 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

You'll find skiing and live music around the historic town of Santa Fe. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

You'll find live music and food around the cultural destination of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer. This historic town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the artsy historic town of Santa Fe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this historic town has to offer.

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Fe or Fairbanks?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Santa Fe 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.