A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Chapel Hill vs. Duck for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Duck?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Duck? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Chapel Hill and Duck: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Duck and Chapel Hill. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Chapel Hill is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Duck? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Both Chapel Hill and Duck offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Duck. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Chapel Hill is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Chapel Hill offers plenty to do in the evening. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Resorts?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Beaches?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Hiking?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.


Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Duck is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Chapel Hill is renowned for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Duck is not popular with students.


Is Chapel Hill or Duck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Chapel Hill has a few public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Chapel Hill or Duck a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Duck

Duck is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Both Chapel Hill and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 5-7 days is enough time in Duck.

Families should spend more time in Duck than Chapel Hill. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Duck, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Duck than Chapel Hill. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Duck that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Duck if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Chapel Hill or Duck?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Duck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Chapel Hill. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Duck?

The southern town of Chapel Hill offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Duck or Chapel Hill?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $164, while the average daily cost in Duck is $188. 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 Chapel Hill and Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Duck? 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 Chapel Hill


Hotels in Duck


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: Chapel Hill Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Duck $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck and Chapel Hill 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
    Chapel Hill $49
    Duck $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Duck $13

Tours and Activities in Chapel Hill

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

  • Chapel Hill, NC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Carolina History & Haunts Greensboro Historical Ghost Tour: $19
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Greensboro by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood: $55
  • Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Duck $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Chapel Hill

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

  • Wacky Fayetteville Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Duck, we can see that Duck 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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Duck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Duck?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill and Duck, 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 Chapel Hill or Duck?

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 Chapel Hill or Duck in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Duck. The summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year.

In the summer, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chapel Hill in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Duck averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during summer. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chapel Hill gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of rain as Duck. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Duck. The shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chapel Hill is generally around the same temperature as Duck. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 61°F (16°C), and Duck fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the autumn, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in October than Duck. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Duck in the winter. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during winter. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In January, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Duck. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Chapel Hill during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chapel Hill in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Duck averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the spring, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Duck. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)