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

Should you visit Savannah or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Savannah and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Savannah or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Savannah than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Savannah is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Savannah different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Savannah is not a skiing destination.

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.

Savannah is not a skiing destination.

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

Savannah 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.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Savannah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Fairbanks is not a good place to visit for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People don't go to Fairbanks for the nightlife. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Savannah 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 Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Fairbanks?

Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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 Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Fairbanks.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Savannah is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern 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 Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Savannah or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

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 Savannah or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place 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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Savannah or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah 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 Savannah.

One day in Savannah or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Savannah. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer. 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 Savannah or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Savannah. 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 city has to offer. This city 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 Savannah or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming city of Savannah. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Savannah or Fairbanks?

Savannah 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Savannah or Fairbanks?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In July, Savannah is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Fairbanks. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah 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. Savannah is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Savannah usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Savannah or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, 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. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Savannah usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Savannah or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Savannah 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. In April, Savannah is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Savannah usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Savannah