A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Grand Teton National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular, impressive, and vast park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Chapel Hill and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Teton National Park than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Teton National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Grand Teton National Park is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife. Also, Grand Teton National Park is famous for Jenny Lake. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a great town for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a great town for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chapel Hill has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Grand Teton National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

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

Grand Teton National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Grand Teton National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grand Teton National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not popular with students.


Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Grand Teton National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the collegiate town of Chapel Hill. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive park of Grand Teton National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the vast destination of Grand Teton National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Chapel Hill is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular park of Grand Teton National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Chapel Hill is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Teton National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this park.


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


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park? 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 Grand Teton National Park


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 and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105
  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park 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
    Grand Teton National Park $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Grand Teton National Park $43

Tours and Activities in Chapel Hill

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

  • 8 Hours Private Crystal Coast Sightseeing in North Carolina: $275
  • Carolina History & Haunts Greensboro Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Chapel Hill Historic Churches Tour: $16
  • Chapel Hill, NC: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses: $225
  • Morning Aerial Adventure Adult Course from Riegelwood: $55
  • Raleigh Guided E-Bike Tour: Burgers, Brews, and History too: $107
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Greensboro by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Grand Teton National Park $19

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 Grand Teton National Park, we can see that Chapel Hill 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 Grand Teton National Park Expensive?.