A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach? 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 student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Chapel Hill different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

Chapel Hill is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Chapel Hill specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chapel Hill is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

Chapel Hill is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go shopping. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Chapel Hill is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach make for a nice place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is a world-class destination for students. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Myrtle Beach is a great town to visit as a student. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

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

Chapel Hill is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable town. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

Both Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Myrtle Beach 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.

One day in Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

In Chapel Hill, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this student-oriented town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the jam-packed beach city of Myrtle Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Chapel Hill is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the busy destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern destination of Chapel Hill. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Chapel Hill is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. 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 nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during summer. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. It's quite rainy in Chapel Hill. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Chapel Hill during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chapel Hill is cooler than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chapel Hill in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the autumn, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Chapel Hill can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chapel Hill is generally much colder than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 40°F (5°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during winter. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Myrtle Beach. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Chapel Hill is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the spring, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Myrtle Beach. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Chapel Hill