Travel Budget for Fairbanks Visit Fairbanks on a Budget or Travel in Style

Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / Alaska /
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Fairbanks is an outdoorsy city known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Fairbanks and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Fairbanks?

You should plan to spend around $318 per day on your vacation in Fairbanks. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $109 on meals
  • $66 on local transportation
  • $309 on hotels

A one week trip to Fairbanks for two people costs, on average, $4,452. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $318
  • One Week Per person
    $2,226
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,452
  • One Month Per person
    $9,540
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,452
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $8,904
  • One Month For a couple
    $19,080
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Fairbanks cost?

A one week trip to Fairbanks usually costs around $2,226 for one person and $4,452 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Fairbanks on average costs around $4,452 for one person and $8,904 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Fairbanks will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Fairbanks on average costs around $9,540 for one person and $19,080 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Fairbanks expensive to visit?

Fairbanks is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Although Fairbanks can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by enjoying the free hiking trails and looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $138 per day, mid-range travelers spend $318 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $669 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Fairbanks.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Fairbanks is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Breckenridge or Sacramento.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Fairbanks Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Fairbanks?

The average Fairbanks trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Fairbanks travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Fairbanks cost?

Fairbanks on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$64 $154 $350
Local Transportation 1 $29 $66 $125
Food 2 $47 $109 $217
Entertainment 1 $28 $65 $130
Alcohol 2 $5-16 $13-40 $30-91

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Fairbanks on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $138 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Thankfully, Fairbanks is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Billie's Backpackers Hostel and Sven's Basecamp Hostel. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Fairbanks often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $318 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Fairbanks is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Pike's Waterfront Lodge is a solid choice for families, while River's Edge Resort Fairbanks also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Fairbanks here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $669. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Reindeer and Snowmobile Day Trip to Borealis Basecamp with Lunch - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Fairbanks

Hotel prices in Fairbanks can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $208 up to around $388. From $125 for budget options to $661 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Fairbanks for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $309. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $154 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $154
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $309

Hotels in Fairbanks

Looking for a hotel in Fairbanks? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Fairbanks

The average hotel room price in Fairbanks based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $208 in the low season and $388 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Fairbanks include:

  • Pike's Waterfront Lodge starting at $137
  • River's Edge Resort Fairbanks starting at $280
  • Candlewood Suites - Fairbanks starting at $297
  • Sophie Station Suites starting at $204
  • Wedgewood Resort starting at $226
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Fairbanks

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Fairbanks

Unfortunately, Fairbanks does not provide a solid public transit network. 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.

Sadly, the city isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $66 per person, per day, on local transportation in Fairbanks. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Fairbanks is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $66

Transportation Tips

Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.



Flights to Fairbanks
How much does it cost to go to Fairbanks? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Fairbanks
The price of renting a car in Fairbanks will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Fairbanks?

The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Fairbanks, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.


  • Full Tank of Gas
    $90


Food Budget in Fairbanks

Food choices in Fairbanks are restricted and lack quality. Rather than spending a lot on dining out, focus on other activities that are more fulfilling. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Fairbanks can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Fairbanks is $109 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $109

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Fairbanks is around $109 ($109) per person, with previous travelers spending from $47 to $217. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Fairbanks are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $11 to $33
  • Lunch: $16 to $43
  • Dinner: $33 to $76
  • Coffee: $9
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $16

Fairbanks offers a wide variety of restaurants from elegant cuisine to ethnic dining to Alaskan- style home cooking. Many restaurants use local produce, meat and fish in their recipes. Try reindeer sausage or grilled Alaskan salmon alongside home-grown Yukon gold potatoes and sweet baby carrots. Fairbanks is also home to two craft breweries, three distilleries and multiple coffee roasters. Dining indoors or outdoors, ordering from a food truck or a drive thru hut, Fairbanks has great food and beverages for foodies and families alike.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful scenery and save some cash. Stop by a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic location for your meal.

Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Fairbanks. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner for $210 details
  • Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza for $300 details
  • "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour for $239 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Fairbanks?

Below are some standard food costs in Fairbanks, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing
    $63
  • Totem Inn Breakfast for Two
    $46


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Fairbanks

Visitors find Fairbanks irresistible, especially for its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, museums and attractions, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Fairbanks typically cost an average of $65 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $65

Alaska is full of natural beauty. It's all around you, but there are some places you may want to explore in anchorage for even better vistas.

Take a scenic drive. The scenic, essential 323-mile-long Parks Highway connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, threading its way past some of Alaska's most iconic Alaskan areas, including Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley.

Drive the Chena Hot Springs Road. When you're driving Chena Hot Springs Road, keep in mind that it's best not to rush. This journey defines "scenic route" as a one-day road trip primed for spotting wildlife, exploring a new trailhead, and pulling over to cast a line. If it weren't for the hot spring at the end, this road probably wouldn't exist. The springs were discovered in 1905 and it didn't take long for Fairbanksans to want permanent access from town. At their behest, the U.S. War Department built the first trail to the hot springs in 1913. Today, Chena Hot Springs Road is fully paved and well-maintained. The journey from Fairbanks to the trail's end at Chena Hot Springs Resort is 56.5 miles. You can drive it in about an hour, but factor in more time for stops. And if you don't have a car the Chena Shuttle, operated by the resort, can be booked for round-trip transport from the airport or any hotel in Fairbanks. Wildlife spottings are common throughout the entire road.

The picturesque Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary borders the Wedgewood Resort and is preserved by Fountainhead Hotels, Fairbanks' locally owned hotel group. You won't find any cyclists, swimmers or fishing here, so that the focus can stay on what matters: the wildlife. Come visit and you might see up to 15 different kinds of mammals-from beavers to red foxes, flying squirrels, snowshoe hares and even moose-but this is also a birder's gold mine. Pick up the checklist of more than 100 bird species commonly seen here. In the winter, visitors can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or, of course, aurora-watching. You can also check out the Taiga Center, an interpretive center where you might see a live owl show.



Alaska activities including famous wildlife, spectacular mountain vistas, fascinating cultures and icy blue glaciers all await your discovery. Here are just a few options to keep you entertained on your trip:

Experience Pioneer Park. The 44-acre Pioneer Park is a centrally located, historically themed park beloved by visitors and locals alike. The park offers a wide array of family- and visitor-friendly activities showcasing Fairbanks history through a bounty of museums and outdoor recreational areas. Many engaging attractions call the park home including the Bear Art Gallery, a historic sternwheeler, a carousel, a miniature golf course, a notable operational narrow gauge train, relics from the gold rush era and more. Historic log cabins that were moved to the park turn into summertime shops and eateries.

Visit the Ice Museum. Devoted to all things ice, this museum will put you in a winter mood no matter what the summer temperatures are like. You'll see several large ice displays, a freezer you can go in to feel like it's 20 degrees below zero, a huge-screen slide show with the annual World Ice Art championships, and freezers with huge ice tableaux.

Take an adventure on a dog sled. Plenty of people come to Fairbanks to look at the sky-for northern lights, or to bask in the midnight sun. But a dog-mushing experience in Fairbanks will prove that there's plenty more of Fairbanks to be seen at eye-or even paw-level.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
The hiking in the area surrounding Fairbanks is really impressive. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Fairbanks is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Spectacular Hot Spring Experience with Northern Lights for $235 details
  • Extreme Cold Clothing Pkg - (Parka Snowpant Bibs Boots) No Tour for $65 details
  • 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation) for $145 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Fairbanks?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Fairbanks, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.


  • The Riverboat Discovery Trip
    $55
  • 1 Day Mountain Bike Rental
    $27
  • Canoe Rental with Pickup
    $56


Nightlife Budget in Fairbanks

The nightlife in Fairbanks is pretty much non-existent. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Fairbanks per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 4, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Fairbanks

  • Prices generally surge and the city fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Options for public transportation in Fairbanks are limited. Renting a car or prearranging transportation, like a tour, could be a good idea, but it may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • If you're thinking Fairbanks will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
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Traveling in Fairbanks
Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaksa

Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.



Neighborhoods & Around

Downtown Fairbanks is the main neighborhood in Fairbanks. It is a delightful blend of old and new. Historic buildings dating back to gold rush days, a vibrant contemporary art scene, an array of delicious eating and drinking establishments, museums, shops, a cultural and visitors center and, in the center of town, iconic Golden Heart Plaza. Year-round, one can always find a variety of unexpected public artworks around town. Steam vents are painted, murals abound and sculptures-both permanent and seasonal ice-sculptures-adorn downtown streets and businesses. Downtown Fairbanks also hosts outstanding events like the Winter Carnival in March, the Midnight Sun Festival in June and Golden Days in July. During winter months, Fairbanks has a storybook-like quality. The Chena River freezes over, snow blankets the ground and lighted snowflakes adorn lamp posts.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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