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

Should you visit Durham or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Durham and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Durham. While Durham is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Durham and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Durham or Santa Barbara.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Is the Food Better in Durham or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Durham or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a moderate coastal town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Durham or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is Durham or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Santa Barbara?

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

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town 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, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Durham and Santa Barbara are both great 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.

Santa Barbara is a great city to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

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

Santa Barbara is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Durham?

How long in Durham or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Durham and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Durham. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Durham or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sports oriented 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 Santa Barbara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Santa Barbara?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Santa Barbara. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 comparing the travel costs between Durham and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Santa Barbara?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Santa Barbara. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

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

Should I visit Durham or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Santa Barbara. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Durham is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Durham usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Durham