A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Durham for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Durham?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Durham can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

La Paz and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Durham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Durham are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more touristy than Durham and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is La Paz different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Durham?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both La Paz and Durham.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Durham. 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 the Food Better in La Paz or Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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 La Paz is an experience not to be missed. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end 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 La Paz or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both La Paz and Durham.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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 La Paz or Durham Better for Resorts?

La Paz is very good for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Durham Better for Beaches?

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Durham?

La Paz 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 La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Durham Better for Families?

La Paz 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.

La Paz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Durham Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and Durham are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Durham is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Durham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

La Paz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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 La Paz or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is notable for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. 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.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

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

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system 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 La Paz or Durham a more walkable city?

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

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Durham. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of La Paz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Durham?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Durham 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 La Paz or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. 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 La Paz or Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of La Paz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sports oriented destination of Durham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Durham, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Durham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Durham, 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 La Paz or Durham?

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 La Paz or Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Durham averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Durham during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Durham. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Durham in the Autumn?

Both Durham and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Durham because of the shopping scene.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the autumn, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Durham. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit La Paz or Durham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Durham. The winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

It's quite cold in Durham in the winter. La Paz is much warmer than Durham in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Durham during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Durham. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Durham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Durham. The beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In the spring, La Paz is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Durham averages at about 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the spring, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Durham. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Durham. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and La Paz