Should you visit Atlanta or Durham?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Durham, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
Durham
Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.
Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.
Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.
Which city is cheaper, Durham or Atlanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $136, while the average daily cost in Durham is $130. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Durham in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Atlanta can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $72, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $144.
Durham's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $73.
Food
Food in Atlanta costs travelers about $33 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
On average, meal and food prices in Durham cost around $35 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $14.
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Food
Meals for one day
Atlanta $33
Durham $35
Typical Food prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
$15
-
Lunch
$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour:
$75
-
Grant Park Past & Future Food Tour:
$75
-
2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta:
$75
-
Atlanta's Southern Food Tour:
$86
-
Modern Southern Food Tour of Historic Inman Park:
$99
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Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta:
$116
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Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option:
$249
Local Transportation
Atlanta's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $34 per person, per day on transportation in Atlanta.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $26 per day to get around in Durham.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
-
MARTA Subway Ticket
$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL):
$28
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Atlanta:
$38
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Atlanta to Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
$38
-
Atlanta to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) - Departure Private Transfer:
$49
-
Private Arrival Transfer from ATL Atlanta Airport to Atlanta City:
$50
-
Private Departure Transfer from Atlanta City to ATL Atlanta Airport:
$50
-
Transfer in executive private vehicle from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Downtown:
$53
-
Transfer in executive private vehicle from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport:
$53
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL):
$56
-
Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport:
$67
-
Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Downtown:
$67
-
Private Arrival Transfer: (ATL) Airport to Hotel by Luxury Sedan:
$73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durham
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Durham:
-
Private Transfer from Durham to Manchester Airport (MAN):
$407
-
Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer:
$139
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Durham?
Prices for flights to both Durham and Atlanta 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Atlanta can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $45 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $21 per person, per day in Durham. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
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Ultimate Atlanta Self-Walking Audio Tour:
$10
-
Skip-The-Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission Ticket:
$20
-
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket:
$22
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Atlanta Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure:
$27
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Zoo Advance Purchase General Admission Ticket:
$27
-
Dr. Martin Luther King's Tour:
$34
-
Martin Luther King Historic District Walking Tour:
$35
-
Martin Luther King Walking Tour with Optional Lunch:
$35
-
Atlanta Electric Car City Tour:
$36
-
Georgia Aquarium: Skip-the-Purchase-Line Tickets:
$37
-
The Escape Game Atlanta Epic 60-Minute Private Adventure:
$37
-
Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour:
$38
Tours and Activities in Durham
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:
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Trolley Pub Public Tour of Durham:
$41
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Atlanta, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $14.
The average person spends about $27 on alcoholic beverages in Durham per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
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Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl:
$12
-
Krog Street Market Pub Crawl:
$36
-
Atlanta Brewery Guided Tours:
$65
-
Three Vineyard Classic Wine Tasting Tour:
$165
-
Explore Rabun County - Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour:
$170
-
Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting:
$204
-
Private Wine Tasting Tour of Three Vineyards:
$210
When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Durham, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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