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

Should you visit Durham or Sun 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 Sun Valley 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Durham travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Durham and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions. Sun Valley is more touristy than Durham and is known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. 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 Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Durham or Sun Valley?

Durham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley is an experience not to be missed. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Durham or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

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

Sun Valley is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Sun Valley?

Both Durham and Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Durham or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an amazing town 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, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sun Valley is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sun Valley can get you to most places easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Sun Valley on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Durham?

How long in Durham or Sun Valley?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Durham or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the student-filled city of Durham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Durham, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Durham, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?

Durham, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sun Valley?

Durham is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 comparing the travel costs between Durham and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durham Expensive? and Is Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Sun Valley?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Sun 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.