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

Should you visit Durham or Nantucket?

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

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Nantucket travel costs.

Durham and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions. Nantucket is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse. 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 Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is an amazing island 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.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Nantucket are notable 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Durham or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

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

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is Durham or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

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

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Nantucket?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Nantucket Better for Families?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Students?

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

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

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Durham?

How long in Durham or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Durham or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sports oriented 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 Nantucket. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Nantucket?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Nantucket. The summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the summer, Durham is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

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

Should I visit Durham or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Durham is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

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

Should I visit Durham or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. Durham is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

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

Should I visit Durham or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Nantucket. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Durham is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

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

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Durham