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

Should you visit Miami or Durham?

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 Miami and Durham can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Durham?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Durham. Miami is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Durham is more popular for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Durham and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Miami different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is an amazing beach 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.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Durham Better for Music?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its music scene. However, Durham is not a live music destination.

In Miami you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Durham Better for Resorts?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Durham Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Durham?

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

Miami is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Durham Better for Families?

Miami 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.

Miami is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Durham is a family-friendly beach 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 Miami or Durham Better for Couples?

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

Miami is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami or Durham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the 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 Miami or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

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

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Miami or Durham a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Durham is generally not a very walkable beach city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Miami?

How long in Miami or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Durham than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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

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

One day in Miami or Durham?

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Durham, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this student-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Miami or Durham?

Miami is a great place to explore. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. 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.

Durham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Durham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Miami or Durham?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the bustling big city of Miami. This beach 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the sports oriented destination of Durham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Durham?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Durham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Durham. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

In July, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Durham. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Durham during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Durham. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Miami or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Durham. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene.

Miami is much warmer than Durham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Durham fluctuates around 61°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 Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Durham. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Durham. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Durham in the Winter?

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

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Durham averages at about 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Durham during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Miami usually receives less rain than Durham. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Miami or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Durham. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Durham and Miami