Should you visit Savannah or Durham?
Should I visit Savannah or Durham? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Savannah
Savanah is a reasonably priced city by U.S. standards. With a wide range of accommodation and food options, it's possible to experience this historical city on a cheaper budget, or, if you like, to live it up in luxury without spending an inordinate amount of money.
The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah sits right on the Savannah River, a historic commercial port dating back to the Thirteen Colonies. The old port of the city still lies along this river, paved in traditional cobblestone roads and radiating with old southern charm. Savannah is also known for its many small parks, tunnels of oak trees and magnolias draped in southern moss, romantic horse-drawn carriages, as well as some of the most ornate antebellum architecture to be found in the south.
Whether you are interested in the past of a historically prosperous seaport or wish to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere that it still holds, Savannah is a quaint destination full of beauty with an arsenal of historic appeal to match.
Durham
Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.
Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.
Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.
Which city is cheaper, Durham or Savannah?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $128, while the average daily cost in Durham is $130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Savannah and Durham in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $67. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Savannah the cost is $134 on average.
Durham's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $73.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Savannah cost around $46 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $18.
On average, meal and food prices in Durham cost around $35 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $14.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Savannah $46
Durham $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.
-
2-Hour Southern Food Tour:
$47
-
Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour:
$47
-
3-Hour First Squares Food Tour:
$57
-
Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour:
$57
-
Savannah's Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour:
$61
-
Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour:
$61
-
Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise:
$72
-
Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment:
$77
-
Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise:
$79
-
Savannah Walktails & Bar Bites Guided Food Tour:
$80
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Savannah is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 per person, per day, on local transportation in Savannah.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $26 per day to get around in Durham.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:
-
Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer:
$62
-
Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Arrival Private Transfer:
$62
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
-
Private Departure Transfer to Savannah Airport SAV:
$73
-
SAV Airport Transfer To & From South Carolina:
$120
-
Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$124
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Hotel:
$157
-
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Savannah Airport:
$157
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durham
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Durham:
-
Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer:
$139
-
Private Transfer from Durham to Manchester Airport (MAN):
$407
Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Durham?
Prices for flights to both Durham and Savannah change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Savannah typically cost an average of $13 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $21 per person, per day in Durham. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Typical Entertainment prices in Savannah
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Savannah
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:
-
Savannah's Famous Ghost Tour - On-Location Technology (GPS) Guided Experience:
$3.95
-
Savannah Virtual Tour - See Savannah Virtually & Safely On Your Phone:
$5.95
-
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Self-Guided Tour:
$9.00
-
Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket:
$10
-
Savannah Scavenger Hunt: Historic Savannah Adventure:
$12
-
American Prohibition Museum Ticket:
$16
-
Skip-The-Line: The American Prohibition Museum Admission Ticket:
$16
-
Savannah's Haunted Historic Pub and Tavern Tour:
$18
-
Savannah Hidden History Walking Tour:
$18
-
Spirits with Spirits Happy Hour Tour in Savannah:
$19
-
Savannah Civil War Guided Walking History Tour:
$20
-
Savannah Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour:
$20
Tours and Activities in Durham
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Durham are as follows:
-
Trolley Pub Public Tour of Durham:
$41
Alcohol
The average person spends about $28 on alcoholic beverages in Savannah per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about $27 on alcoholic beverages in Durham per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:
-
Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam:
$12
-
90 Minute Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl:
$15
-
Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$20
-
Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour:
$24
-
Haunted Pub Tour:
$28
-
Haunted Savannah Ghost & Pub Walking Tour:
$28
-
Bad Kitty Haunted Pub Crawl - The Best Savannah Ghost and Spirits Experience:
$29
-
Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour:
$30
-
Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District:
$30
-
Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs:
$34
When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Durham, we can see that Durham 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.
Related Articles for Savannah
Related Articles for Durham
