A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Durham vs. The Hamptons for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Durham or The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Durham and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions. The Hamptons is more touristy than Durham and is known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Also, The Hamptons is famous for The Montauk 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 The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Durham and The Hamptons can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around The Hamptons. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons is very good for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Many people head to The Hamptons to enjoy the beach. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting The Hamptons. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

The Hamptons is a world class destination for shoppers. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons More Beautiful?

The Hamptons is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Durham or The Hamptons.

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.

The Hamptons is a family-friendly city. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Durham or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

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

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons Better for Students?

Durham is a great destination for students. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

Durham is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Durham or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

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

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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 The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Durham?

How long in Durham or The Hamptons?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durham than The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons?

In Durham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sports oriented city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Durham or The Hamptons?

Durham is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, 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 The Hamptons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-filled destination of Durham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 The Hamptons?

Durham is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 opulent destination of The Hamptons. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or The Hamptons?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Durham and The Hamptons, 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 The Hamptons?

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 The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Durham is around the same temperature as The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Durham or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Durham is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in October than The Hamptons. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hamptons can be very cold. Durham can be very cold during winter. Durham is much warmer than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Durham or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In the spring, Durham is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Durham usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Durham