A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Durham or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind, scenic, and beautiful coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Durham and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Golden Gate Bridge


Is there more to do in Durham or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Durham. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Francisco is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. 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 San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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 San Francisco on the map. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Durham is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Durham is not a theatre destination.

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

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Durham
San Francisco

Both Durham and San Francisco 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.


Is Durham or San Francisco Better for Music?

Durham
San Francisco

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

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Durham or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Durham
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Durham is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Durham or San Francisco?

Durham
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city 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.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Durham
San Francisco

Durham and San Francisco are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

San Francisco is a great city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

Durham
San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing coastal 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 San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

Durham
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Durham?

How long in Durham or San Francisco?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.


  • How many days in Durham or San Francisco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Durham 1-3 
    San Francisco 3-7

One day in Durham or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-filled 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.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Durham and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Durham or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    San Francisco $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Oakland - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • San Francisco to Oakland Airport (OAK) Private Departure Transfer: $64
  • San Francisco to San Francisco Airport Private Departure Transfer: $80
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $97
  • Private Airport Transfer: San Francisco to SF International Airport (SFO): $108
  • Private Transfer from Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $109
  • Private Transfer from San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $109
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer: $112
  • San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $112
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
    San Francisco $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durham $26
    San Francisco $46

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

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

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.

  • San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.34
  • Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
  • San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
  • Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Food, History, and Resistance: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Design in the Financial District Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99
  • San Francisco's Castro Neighborhood: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $34
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
  • Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • Alcatraz and Sausalito California Wine Tasting Experience: $150
  • Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $159


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


Which is Bigger, Durham or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as San Francisco. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Durham or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Durham or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Durham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Durham or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and San Francisco. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Durham is a little warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Durham

Durham San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)