A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Durham or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Durham and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Both Hilton Head Island and Durham have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Durham is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Durham is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Durham or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Hilton Head Island can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Durham is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Both Durham and Hilton Head Island are nice 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 Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Both Durham and Hilton Head Island are nice 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Durham is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Durham is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Durham or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Durham and Hilton Head Island both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Durham?

How long in Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Both Durham and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Durham. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durham than Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Durham is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Durham. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durham has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Durham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Durham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Durham.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durham Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Hilton Head Island?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Durham or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Durham during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

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

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the summer, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Hilton Head Island. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Durham as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Durham is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Durham