A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Vail for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Durham or Vail?

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

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vail

Vail is a scenic, vibrant, and upscale ski town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking.

Durham and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Vail?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vail. Although Durham and Vail are both popular with visitors, Vail has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vail is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham is known for its museums. Vail is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also home to The Vail Ski Resort. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vail and Durham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Vail is among the world's best ski destinations. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Vail?

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Vail can be difficult as they are each good 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 Vail. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Vail offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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 Vail Better for Music?

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

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail 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 Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Vail is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Vail?

Vail is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

Vail is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Durham does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

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

The Christmas markets in Vail offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Durham does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Durham or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is an amazing ski 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.

Vail is one of the most popular family destinations. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is an amazing ski 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, Vail has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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 Vail Better for Students?

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Vail is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Vail is not popular with students.

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

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

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Vail on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Durham?

How long in Durham or Vail?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

One day in Durham or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Durham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Vail?

Durham is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Durham. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Vail?

The student-filled city of Durham offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. This ski town 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 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 Vail, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Vail?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Vail, 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.