A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chapel Hill vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg? 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.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a southern, student-oriented, and collegiate town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chapel Hill. Although Chapel Hill and Winnipeg are both popular with visitors, Chapel Hill has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chapel Hill is popular for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. It is also home to the University of North Carolina. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Chapel Hill different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chapel Hill or Winnipeg.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Many visitors head to Winnipeg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Both Chapel Hill and Winnipeg offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chapel Hill area. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winnipeg. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Chapel Hill is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Winnipeg and Chapel Hill.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winnipeg. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Winnipeg.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Winnipeg offers lots of family activities. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Winnipeg make for a good place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Winnipeg is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a popular place for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.


Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Chapel Hill is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Chapel Hill or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Winnipeg

Chapel Hill is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable place. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


For even more information, also check out Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Chapel Hill or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

The town of Chapel Hill offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Winnipeg. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Chapel Hill is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chapel Hill, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Winnipeg. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Chapel Hill is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The cultural city of Winnipeg offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Chapel Hill?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chapel Hill Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chapel Hill $200
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $200, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Chapel Hill and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Winnipeg? 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 Chapel Hill


Hotels in Winnipeg


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: Chapel Hill Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Chapel Hill 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
    Chapel Hill $84
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Winnipeg -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill and Winnipeg, 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 Chapel Hill or Winnipeg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chapel Hill is generally a little warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 79°F (26°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in July than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the shopping scene.

Chapel Hill is much warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Winnipeg. The winter months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Winnipeg in the winter. The weather in Chapel Hill can be very cold. In the winter, Chapel Hill is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chapel Hill in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Chapel Hill is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 60°F (16°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)