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

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Should you visit Baltimore or Durham?

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 Baltimore and Durham can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Baltimore or Durham?

Baltimore

Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.

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 Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $145, 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 Baltimore and Durham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $75
    Durham $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $150
    Durham $146
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Durham

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Durham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $17
    Durham $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $54
  • Private Airport Transfer: Baltimore to Baltimore–Washington Int. Airport (BWI): $56
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $74
  • Private Transfer Washington Airport BWI to Washington DC in a Business Car: $96
  • Transfer from Baltimore–Washington Airport to Baltimore: $100
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Baltimore Washington International Airport Transfer to Downtown Baltimore: $120
  • Private Transfer from Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer Washington Airport BWI to Washington DC by SUV: $129
  • Private Baltimore Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $143
  • Private Baltimore Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $143

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Durham:

  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Durham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $407

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Durham?

Prices for flights to both Durham and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $37
    Durham $35
Typical Food prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $71
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $73
  • Spirit of Baltimore Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $100
  • Baltimore Helicopter Sightseeing Tour Plus Dinner: $288
  • Platinum Package - Helicopter Tour with Dinner at Ruth's Chris or Capital Grille: $315
  • Baltimore Helicopter Tour plus Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $14
    Durham $21

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $12
  • 2 Hour Chesapeake Signature Cruise: $15
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $22
  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • History & Culture Small-Group Tour with a Local: $41
  • History of Chesapeake Bay Sailing Tour: $49
  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Sailing Experience: $49
  • West Bank Tour: $60
  • Inner Harbor Small-Group Culture Tour with a Local: $69
  • Small-Group Food and Drink Tour with Local Snacks: $73
  • Private Baltimore Historical Sightseeing Tours: $75

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
    Baltimore $14
    Durham $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Baltimore Brewery Tour: $90
  • Westminster Region Wine Tour: $97
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $97
  • Heritage Region Wine Tour: $97
  • Chocolate and Wine Tour: $106

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Durham, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Durham?

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 Baltimore or Durham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Durham.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Durham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July are around 78°F (25°C), and Durham is about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Durham during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Durham. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Durham 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Durham.

In October, Baltimore is generally cooler than Durham. Temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Durham stays around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Durham. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Durham. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Durham 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Durham in the Winter?

Both Durham and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much colder than Durham in the winter. The temperature in Baltimore is usually 32°F (0°C) in January, and Durham stays around 40°F (5°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Durham during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Durham. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Durham 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Baltimore is cooler than Durham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April are around 54°F (12°C), and Durham is about 60°F (16°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the spring, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Durham. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Durham. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Durham 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Durham and Baltimore

Baltimore Durham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


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Baltimore vs. Durham Travel Comparison

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