A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Durham vs. Raleigh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Durham or Raleigh?

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

Where Should I go: Durham or Raleigh?

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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Raleigh?

Raleigh is bigger, and its population is about 35% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the population of Durham vs. Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Raleigh. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh 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 Raleigh during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Raleigh. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Raleigh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Raleigh. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Raleigh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Raleigh averages at about 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Durham or Raleigh in the Winter?

Both Raleigh and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Raleigh. It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. In January, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

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

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

Should I visit Durham or Raleigh in the Spring?

Both Raleigh and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Raleigh in the spring for the activities around the city.

Durham is around the same temperature as Raleigh in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Raleigh. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Durham