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

Should you visit Durham or Charleston?

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

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Charleston

Charleston is a quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Durham and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Charleston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charleston than Durham. While Durham is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charleston is very popular for its food, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums. Charleston is more touristy than Durham and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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

Charleston is an amazing coastal town 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.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Charleston are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for its music scene. However, Durham is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Charleston is very good for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Charleston is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Charleston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Charleston?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Durham does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston offers some nice Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Durham does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Charleston.

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.

Charleston is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Couples?

Charleston is an amazing coastal town to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Durham or Charleston Better for Students?

Durham is notable for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

Both Durham and Charleston offer reasonable 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 Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Durham or Charleston a more walkable city?

Charleston is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Durham?

How long in Durham or Charleston?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston 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 Charleston.

One day in Durham or Charleston?

With museums and nightlife around the student-filled city of Durham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durham, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Charleston?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Durham, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Charleston 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 Charleston?

Durham, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Charleston?

Durham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the charming destination of Charleston. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Charleston?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Charleston, 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 Charleston?

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 Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is around the same temperature as Charleston in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives less rain than Charleston. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is cooler than Charleston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Charleston averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charleston. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Charleston. Many visitors come to Durham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

Durham usually receives less sunshine than Charleston during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Charleston. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Durham is cooler than Charleston in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charleston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets less sunshine than Charleston. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Durham