A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Chapel Hill for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and attractions. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chapel Hill and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Chapel Hill. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Fort Lauderdale is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Chapel Hill has something for everybody. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chapel Hill and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is a must-visit destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chapel Hill is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chapel Hill.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Chapel Hill. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill than Fort Lauderdale 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 Chapel Hill.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spirited coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The southern destination of Chapel Hill offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Chapel Hill offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Chapel Hill Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill, 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 Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill?

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 Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill in the Summer?

Both Chapel Hill and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

Both Chapel Hill and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Chapel Hill in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 40°F (5°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Chapel Hill. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chapel Hill. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Fort Lauderdale