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

Should you visit Durham or Breckenridge?

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 Breckenridge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nature-filled, charming, and breathtaking ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Breckenridge travel costs.

Durham and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Breckenridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Durham and Breckenridge are both popular with visitors, Breckenridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Breckenridge is more popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham is known for its museums and attractions. Breckenridge is more touristy than Durham and is known for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also home to The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

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

Breckenridge is among the world's best ski destinations. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

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

Durham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and Breckenridge can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Breckenridge. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Breckenridge are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Breckenridge is very good for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge offers a nice historic old town area. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Breckenridge is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Breckenridge. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Breckenridge?

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

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 Breckenridge More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Durham is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

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

Breckenridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Breckenridge is very good for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Durham or Breckenridge Better for Students?

Durham is a well-known place for students. However, Breckenridge is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Breckenridge offer decent public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Is Durham or Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is an amazing ski resort to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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 Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Durham?

How long in Durham or Breckenridge?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge.

One day in Durham or Breckenridge?

In Durham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sports oriented city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

A weekend in Durham or Breckenridge?

Durham is a fun place to experience. 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.

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 Breckenridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the sports oriented destination of Durham. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Breckenridge?

Durham is a popular place to visit. 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.

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Breckenridge, we can see that Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Breckenridge?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Breckenridge, 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.