A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durham vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Durham or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Durham and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Durham. Vancouver is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. 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 Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Vancouver 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 Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Vancouver?

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

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durham or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city 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, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vancouver is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around 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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Durham and Vancouver are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Durham?

How long in Durham or Vancouver?

In either Durham or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Durham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Durham or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. 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 Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse 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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver?

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 outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. This city 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Durham and Vancouver, we can see that Durham is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham than you might in Vancouver.

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

Which is Bigger, Durham or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Durham as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Durham is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the summer, Durham often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Durham is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Durham usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Durham during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Durham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Durham can be very cold. Durham is around the same temperature as Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Durham often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Durham usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Vancouver. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Durham is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Durham usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Durham