A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Fairbanks for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

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.

Tampa and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa. Although Tampa and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Tampa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tampa is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

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

Fairbanks is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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 Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Tampa 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 Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

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 Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

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

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Tampa is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Tampa or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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 Tampa or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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 Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. 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.

In Fairbanks, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this Arctic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Fairbanks?

You'll find food around the low-key destination of Tampa. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. 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.

A week in Tampa or Fairbanks?

Tampa 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Fairbanks?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

Tampa is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Furthermore, 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, Tampa is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Tampa usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Tampa is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Tampa usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Tampa