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

Should you visit Durham or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Durham and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Durham and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. 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 Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Cape Cod?

Durham is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Cod is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Cape Cod is an experience not to be missed. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Durham is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Durham has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Durham or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

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

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Cape Cod?

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod Better for Couples?

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

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Cape Cod offer reasonable 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Durham or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Durham?

How long in Durham or Cape Cod?

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

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Cape Cod?

The city of Durham 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.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or Cape Cod?

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

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Cape Cod?

Durham 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 city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Durham or Cape Cod?

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 Durham or Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Cape Cod. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Durham is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Durham is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In October, Durham usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cape Cod in the winter. The weather in Durham can be very cold. In January, Durham is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Cape Cod. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Durham is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Cod this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Durham usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Durham