Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Washington or Fairfield?
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 Washington and Fairfield can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Fairfield?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $198Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Washington and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Washington or Fairfield? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Washington Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Fairfield -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Private Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) transfer Round trip: $300
- Private Transfer from Washington DC to DCA Airport or vice versa : $280
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
- Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $218
- Private Transfer to or from Springfield VA and Dulles Airport: $208
- Private transfer Service to or from Washington, DC and IAD: $208
- Private Transfer to or from Herndon and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $205
- Private transfer to or form Arlington and Dulles International Airport: $200
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $198
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $187
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Washington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayWashington $38Fairfield $30
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $96
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $150
- Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $206
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $24Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hours Book Store Tour in Capitol Hill: $80
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
- Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour from Washington DC: $99
- America’s Main Street and White House – Full-Day Tour: $727
- American History/Natural History Museum Combo Guided Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $19Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Fairfield, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Fairfield?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Fairfield, 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 Washington or Fairfield?
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 Washington or Fairfield in the Summer?
Both Fairfield and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Washington is a little warmer than Fairfield in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Washington or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Washington is around the same temperature as Fairfield. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Fairfield averages at about 62°F (17°C).
In Fairfield, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in October than Fairfield. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Washington or Fairfield in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Fairfield. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Fairfield during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Fairfield. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Washington or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Fairfield. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Washington is around the same temperature as Fairfield in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in April than Fairfield. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Washington
| Washington | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.