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

Should you visit Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

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 Grand Teton National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular, impressive, and vast park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Durham and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
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


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Teton National Park than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Teton National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Grand Teton National Park is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife. Also, Grand Teton National Park is famous for Jenny Lake. 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 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 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Durham or Grand Teton National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham 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 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.

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 Durham or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham is a popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Durham has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Durham or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Grand Teton National Park. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

Durham is not a resort destination.


Is Durham or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an amazing park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

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

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 Durham or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Durham is a family-friendly city. 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.


Is Durham or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an amazing park 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, Grand Teton National Park has plenty to offer. 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.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

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 Grand Teton National Park Better for Students?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Teton National Park is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not popular with students.


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

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

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

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

Is Durham or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Durham
Grand Teton National Park

Durham and Grand Teton National Park 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.

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

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

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

How long in Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Durham 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 Durham. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

Families should spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than Durham. 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.

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

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


  • How many days in Durham or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Durham 1-3 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-filled city of Durham. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Teton National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. 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.

Grand Teton National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Teton National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Durham 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the impressive destination of Grand Teton National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park 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 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 Durham and Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Durham and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Durham 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 Durham


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: Durham Hotel Prices and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    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 Durham or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park 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
    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.
    Durham $26
    Grand Teton National Park $43

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

  • Downtown Durham Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Durham African American History Tour: $16
  • Durham NC: Art Walking Tour: $20
  • True Crime Tour: $13

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
    Durham $34
    Grand Teton National Park $19


When comparing the travel costs between Durham and Grand Teton National Park, we can see that Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park Expensive?.