A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Raleigh vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Myrtle Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Raleigh and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Raleigh and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Raleigh attracts visitors for its museums and food. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Raleigh different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Raleigh is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Raleigh is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Raleigh is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is well known for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Myrtle Beach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Raleigh is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Raleigh and Myrtle Beach are great places to visit for students.

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Raleigh or Myrtle Beach offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Raleigh or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Raleigh and Myrtle Beach both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Raleigh is generally not very walkable. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

For even more information, also check out Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? and Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Both Raleigh and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Raleigh. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Raleigh, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Myrtle Beach than Raleigh 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 Myrtle Beach.

One day in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

In Raleigh, many people enjoy the food and museums that this southern city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Raleigh is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Five days in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

You'll find nightlife and food around the southern destination of Raleigh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Raleigh is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Raleigh and Myrtle Beach, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh and Myrtle Beach, 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 Raleigh or Myrtle Beach?

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 Raleigh or Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

Both Myrtle Beach and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Raleigh is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during summer. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Raleigh is cooler than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the autumn, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Myrtle Beach. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Raleigh is generally much colder than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Myrtle Beach during winter. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Myrtle Beach. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Raleigh is around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the spring, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Myrtle Beach. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Raleigh