A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. Napa Valley for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Durham or Napa Valley?

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 Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a idyllic, scenic, and picturesque area. You'll find world class beauty in Napa Valley as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Napa Valley travel costs.

Durham and Napa Valley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Durham or Napa Valley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Napa Valley than Durham. While Durham is larger than Napa Valley, Napa Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Napa Valley is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Napa Valley is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside. It is also well known for Louis M. Martini Winery. 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 Napa Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham
Napa Valley

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. However, Napa Valley is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Napa Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.


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

Durham
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area 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.

Napa Valley has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.

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 Napa Valley Better for Nightlife?

Durham
Napa Valley

Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley offers plenty to do in the evening. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.

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 Napa Valley Better for Hiking?

Durham
Napa Valley

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

Napa Valley is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.

Durham is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Napa Valley?

Durham
Napa Valley

Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley. There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.

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 Napa Valley More Beautiful?

Durham
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Napa Valley as well. It is filled with rows of vineyards, classic chateaus, and picturesque settings, which make this a beautiful destination to explore.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Napa Valley Better for Families?

Durham
Napa Valley

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

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.

Napa Valley is a family-friendly city. Vineyards and wine tasting may be what comes to mind for most travelers in Napa Valley, but those visiting with kids will appreciate the hiking trails, markets, and outdoor activities.


Is Durham or Napa Valley Better for Couples?

Durham
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area 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, Napa Valley has plenty to offer. It's long been considered a favorite honeymoon destination for newly-weds. The scenic vineyards and charming hotels make this the perfect couple's destination, whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want some time away together.

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 Napa Valley Better for Students?

Durham
Napa Valley

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

Napa Valley is not popular with students.

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

Durham
Napa Valley

Durham is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Napa Valley is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Napa Valley. Public transit in the area is limited but within the city of Napa there are buses operated by the Vine Transit.


Is Durham or Napa Valley a more walkable city?

Durham
Napa Valley

Durham is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Napa Valley is not known for its walkability.

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

Napa Valley is not a walkable city. The vineyards are spread out and require a car or bike to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Napa Valley or Durham?

How long in Durham or Napa Valley?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Durham or Napa Valley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Durham 1-3 
    Napa Valley 1-4

One day in Durham or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Durham. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Durham or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the student-filled destination of Durham. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley?

The diverse city of Durham offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Napa Valley. 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 Napa Valley?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Durham. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Napa Valley. This area 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.


Which place is cheaper, Napa Valley or Durham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Durham Prices
    USA Prices
    Napa Valley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Durham $195
    Napa Valley $333

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $195, while the average daily cost in Napa Valley is $333. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Durham and Napa Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Napa Valley $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Napa Valley $252
Compare Hotels in Durham and Napa Valley

Looking for a hotel in Durham or Napa Valley? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Durham


Hotels in Napa Valley


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Durham Hotel Prices and Napa Valley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $33
    Napa Valley $183

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Napa Valley

Also for Napa Valley, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Francisco Airport Private Transfer to Napa Valley: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or Napa Valley?

Prices for flights to both Napa Valley and Durham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Durham $77
    Napa Valley $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Napa Valley

For Napa Valley, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Zero Proof Libations and Food Tour of Downtown Napa: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durham $26
    Napa Valley $28

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Napa Valley.

  • Self-Guided Napa Art Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Private Yountville Art Walk Tour: $9.00
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour Around Bodega Head : $9.99
  • Napa Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $25
  • Napa Valley & Sonoma Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Napa Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Snob Free Sonoma Plaza Walking Experience: $109
  • Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour: $110
  • Napa Valley Daily Join In Group Wineries Tour Including Lunch: $125
  • Napa Valley Wine Trolley Castle Tour: $135
  • Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    Napa Valley $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Napa Valley:

  • Napa Exploration Wine Tasting: $78
  • Serene and Romantic Wine Tasting Next to the Vines in Napa Valley: $85
  • Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • ATV Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • ATV Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $156
  • #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour (Public Tour): $189
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour | 6-8hr Private Fully Customized.*XL SUV: $250


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Napa Valley, we can see that Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Durham or Napa Valley?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Napa Valley. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Napa Valley, 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 Napa Valley?

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 Napa Valley in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Napa Valley. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Napa Valley in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Durham is a little warmer than Napa Valley in the summer. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Napa Valley fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Napa Valley. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Napa Valley. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 439 hours of full sun.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Napa Valley. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Durham or Napa Valley in the Autumn?

Both Napa Valley and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Napa Valley for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Durham is around the same temperature as Napa Valley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Durham in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Napa Valley averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Napa Valley. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Napa Valley during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Durham or Napa Valley in the Winter?

Both Napa Valley and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Napa Valley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Durham can be very cold during winter. In January, Durham is generally much colder than Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 40°F (5°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Durham often gets more sunshine than Napa Valley. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 149 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets less rain in January than Napa Valley. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Durham or Napa Valley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Napa Valley. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year.

Durham is a little warmer than Napa Valley in the spring. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Napa Valley fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Napa Valley this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Napa Valley during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Napa Valley and Durham

Durham Napa Valley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)