A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. Durango for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit The Hamptons or Durango?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between The Hamptons and Durango 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.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking and museums.

The Hamptons and Durango: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Durango?

Both Durango and The Hamptons have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. The Hamptons is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Durango is known for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is The Hamptons different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Skiing?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hamptons or Durango?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a small town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in The Hamptons or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.


Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a good destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for its Old Town?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a small town with good options for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Durango to see the historical old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.


Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Durango?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Christmas?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a small town with good options for its Christmas activities. However, The Hamptons does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango is a fun destination over Christmas. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

The Hamptons does not offer Christmas activities.


Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Families?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Durango is a very family-friendly place to visit. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Couples?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hamptons
Durango

Durango is a small town with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Durango is a good small town to visit for backpackers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.


Is The Hamptons or Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hamptons
Durango

Neither The Hamptons or Durango offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is The Hamptons or Durango a more walkable city?

The Hamptons
Durango

The Hamptons is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hamptons and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Durango. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango than The Hamptons 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 Durango.


  • How many days in The Hamptons or Durango? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hamptons 3-7 
    Durango 2-3

One day in The Hamptons or Durango?

In The Hamptons, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This beach destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.


A weekend in The Hamptons or Durango?

In The Hamptons, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Five days in The Hamptons or Durango?

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in The Hamptons or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. In The Hamptons, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Durango or The Hamptons?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hamptons is $223, while the average daily cost in Durango is $153. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for The Hamptons and Durango in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hamptons $126
    Durango $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hamptons $252
    Durango $158
Compare Hotels in The Hamptons and Durango

Looking for a hotel in The Hamptons or Durango? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in The Hamptons


Hotels in Durango


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Durango Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hamptons $63
    Durango $27

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hamptons or Durango?

Prices for flights to both Durango and The Hamptons 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    The Hamptons $60
    Durango $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hamptons $22
    Durango $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Durango

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Durango's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Hot Springs (for 2)
    $50
  • Tubing (for 2)
    $40

Tours and Activities in Durango

For Durango, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park: $13
  • Colorado: Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour: $14
  • Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Mesa Verde Sunrise Tours: $26
  • Water Tubing Experience in Animas River: $34
  • Durango Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Scenic Waterfall's & Ghost Town Jeep Tour La Plata's~ 2.5 hours: $84
  • La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour: $86
  • La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour: $99
  • La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour: $100
  • Waterfalls and Mountains La Plata Canyon Jeep Tour: $100
  • 4 Hours Durango Colorado - Jeep Tour : $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hamptons $31
    Durango $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and Durango, 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.