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

Should you visit Durham or Ketchikan?

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

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Durham and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Durham and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Durham different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Durham is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is an amazing 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.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Durham is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Durham or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Ketchikan?

Both Durham and Ketchikan are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Durham or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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 Ketchikan Better for Students?

Durham is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Ketchikan offer respectable 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Durham or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Durham?

How long in Durham or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Durham and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Durham. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Durham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Durham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Durham or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-filled destination of Durham. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-filled city of Durham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Ketchikan?

Durham is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. This 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Ketchikan?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Ketchikan, 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 Durham or Ketchikan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Durham or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the summer, Durham is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Durham is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. Durham is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Durham usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Ketchikan. Additionally, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Durham is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Durham usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Durham