A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Yellowstone National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park? 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 student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and vast national park. The famous beauty of Yellowstone National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Old Faithful
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park. Although Chapel Hill and Yellowstone National Park are popular destinations, Yellowstone National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. It is also well known for Old Faithful. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is well known for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Yellowstone National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park More Beautiful?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Yellowstone National Park is one of the main draws. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Yellowstone National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yellowstone National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Students?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is very popular for students. However, Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. 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.

Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill
Yellowstone National Park

Chapel Hill is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable town. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.


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

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Chapel Hill and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Yellowstone National Park 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 Chapel Hill.


  • How many days in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chapel Hill 1-3 
    Yellowstone National Park 5-7

One day in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern town of Chapel Hill. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Yellowstone National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Yellowstone National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Chapel Hill is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the popular national park of Yellowstone National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Chapel Hill is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


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 United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park 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
    Yellowstone National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chapel Hill $200
    Yellowstone National Park $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Chapel Hill is $200, while the average daily cost in Yellowstone National Park is $181. 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 Yellowstone National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chapel Hill $95
    Yellowstone National Park $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chapel Hill $190
    Yellowstone National Park $148
Compare Hotels in Chapel Hill and Yellowstone National Park

Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park? 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 Yellowstone National Park


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 Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chapel Hill $34
    Yellowstone National Park $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Chapel Hill or Yellowstone National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park 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
    Yellowstone National Park $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chapel Hill $17
    Yellowstone National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Yellowstone's Old Faithful Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone National Park: $20
  • Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: $33
  • Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $35
  • Ultimate Audio Tours: Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton & Banff: $36
  • Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $120
  • Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $125
  • Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $125
  • Yellowstone Lake & Hot Springs / 3 Hour Morning or Twilight Tour : $125
  • 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
  • Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chapel Hill $40
    Yellowstone National Park $19


When comparing the travel costs between Chapel Hill and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.