A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Durham or Aspen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Aspen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Durham and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Durham and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Durham and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Aspen?

Durham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Durham or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Durham is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Durham is not a live music destination.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Aspen?

Aspen is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Durham or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Durham or Aspen.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Aspen is a family-friendly city. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Aspen is not popular with students.

Is Durham or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Durham or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Durham?

How long in Durham or Aspen?

In either Durham or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Durham 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 Aspen.

One day in Durham or Aspen?

In Durham, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this student-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Aspen?

Durham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Durham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the sports oriented destination of Durham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Aspen?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Aspen, 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.