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

Should you visit Durham or New York City?

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 New York City 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 food, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Durham and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Durham. New York City is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. 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 New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put New York City on the map. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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.

Is Durham or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Durham is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Durham is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Durham or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

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

In New York City you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or New York City?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durham or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Durham does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Durham does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Durham or New York City Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city 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, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

New York City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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.

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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

Is Durham or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Durham?

How long in Durham or New York City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Durham or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City 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 New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Durham. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Durham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Durham is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and New York City. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City 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 New York City. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Durham usually receives less rain than New York City. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Durham as well as New York City. The winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in Durham can be very cold. Durham is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Durham is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In April, Durham usually receives less rain than New York City. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Durham