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

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Should you visit Durham or Boston?

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 Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Durham or Boston?

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

Which place is cheaper, Boston or Durham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $162, while the average daily cost in Boston is $254. 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 Durham and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Durham and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Durham or Boston? 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 Durham


Hotels in Boston


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: Durham Hotel Prices and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    Boston $35

Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Newport Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Boston City Hotels to Newport Cruise Port: $87
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Durham 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
    Durham $44
    Boston $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $77
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $85
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Signature Dinner Cruise: $99
  • Food Tour to Freedom Trail - Small Group Walking Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durham $26
    Boston $33

Tours and Activities in Durham

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:

  • Durham NC: A downtown art tour on foot: $20

Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • Self - Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail: $6.79
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Quiz: $6.99
  • Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Durham.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Boston?

Boston is bigger, and its population is about 2.9 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the population of Durham vs. Boston, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Durham or Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Durham is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Boston. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Durham or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Durham is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets more sunshine than Boston. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Durham or Boston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Boston. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in Durham can be very cold. Durham is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

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

In January, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Durham or Boston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Boston. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Durham is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets more sunshine than Boston. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Durham

Durham Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Durham vs. Boston Travel Comparison

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