A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Durham or Austin?

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

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Durham and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Durham. Austin is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Durham and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Austin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Durham or Austin.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Durham or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Durham is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Austin?

Both Durham and Austin are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Austin.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Austin is a family-friendly city. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Durham and Austin are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Durham is a good city for couples to visit. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Students?

Durham and Austin are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Is Durham or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Durham and Austin offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Durham or Austin a more walkable city?

Durham and Austin both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Durham?

How long in Durham or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Durham and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Durham. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Durham 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 Austin.

One day in Durham or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Austin?

Durham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-filled destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Durham and Austin, we can see that Durham 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 Durham Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Austin, 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 Durham or Austin?

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 Durham or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Austin. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Durham is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Austin. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Durham is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Durham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. Durham is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives more rain than Austin. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Durham is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets more sunshine than Austin. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Durham