A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Durham for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Atlanta or Durham?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Durham, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Atlanta or Durham?

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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and Durham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $72
    Durham $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $144
    Durham $146
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Durham

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or Durham? 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.

Hotels in Atlanta


Hotels in Durham


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Durham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $34
    Durham $26
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:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL): $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Atlanta to Atlanta International Airport (ATL): $38
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Atlanta: $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 Airport to Atlanta Downtown: $67
  • Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $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.





Food
  • 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:


  • 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:

  • 2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta: $75
  • Atlanta's Southern Food Tour: $86
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta: $116
  • Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $45
    Durham $21

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • Ultimate Atlanta Self-Walking Audio Tour: $10
  • Skip-The-Line: World of Coca-Cola Admission Ticket: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket: $22
  • Zoo General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dr. Martin Luther King's Tour: $34
  • The Escape Game Atlanta Epic 60-Minute Private Adventure: $37
  • Downtown Atlanta Guided Walking Tour: $38
  • Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour: $38
  • Civil War to Civil Rights Tour: $39
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $39
  • Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour: $40
  • Atlanta's Shopping Heaven Tour: $41

Tours and Activities in Durham

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:

  • Trolley Pub Public Tour of Durham: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $14
    Durham $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl: $12
  • Atlanta 5-Hour VIP Brewery Tour with Tastings: $65
  • 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

About these numbers

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.


When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Durham?

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 Atlanta or Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Atlanta during the summer are popular places to visit.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as Durham in the summer. The temperature in Atlanta is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Durham stays around 79°F (26°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the summer, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Durham. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    Durham 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Durham.

In the autumn, Atlanta is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October are around 66°F (19°C), and Durham is about 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Durham during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Durham. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    Durham 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Durham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Durham.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Durham. Temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Durham stays around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Durham. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    Durham 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Durham in the spring. The temperature in Atlanta is usually 65°F (18°C) in April, and Durham stays around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Durham during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Durham. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    Durham 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Durham and Atlanta

Atlanta Durham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Atlanta vs. Durham Travel Comparison

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