A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Chapel Hill for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit La Paz or Chapel Hill?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Chapel Hill can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See La Paz travel costs.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a southern, student-oriented, and collegiate town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

La Paz and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Chapel Hill are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chapel Hill is known for its nightlife. La Paz is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Chapel Hill is popular for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is La Paz different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both La Paz and Chapel Hill.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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.


Is the Food Better in La Paz or Chapel Hill? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz 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 La Paz is an experience not to be missed. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Chapel Hill has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz 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 La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

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

La Paz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

Both La Paz and Chapel Hill are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Chapel Hill is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

La Paz is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Paz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.


Is La Paz or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a world-class destination for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular town 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.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz
Chapel Hill

Both La Paz and Chapel Hill offer good public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Chapel Hill has some public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is La Paz or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

La Paz
Chapel Hill

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

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Chapel Hill. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chapel Hill.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Chapel Hill 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Chapel Hill? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Chapel Hill 1-3

One day in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural city of La Paz. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of La Paz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Chapel Hill?

The beautiful city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Chapel Hill. 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 La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting La Paz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern destination of Chapel Hill. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Chapel Hill or La Paz?

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

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Chapel Hill Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Chapel Hill $200

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, while the average daily cost in Chapel Hill is $200. 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 La Paz and Chapel Hill in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Chapel Hill $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Chapel Hill $190
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Chapel Hill

Looking for a hotel in La Paz or Chapel Hill? 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 La Paz


Hotels in Chapel Hill


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Chapel Hill Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Chapel Hill $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Chapel Hill?

Prices for flights to both Chapel Hill and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Chapel Hill $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $11
    Chapel Hill $17

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
  • Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $55
  • Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $83
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
  • holy spirit island tour: $108
  • La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour: $111
  • Holy Spirit Island Tour Sea Lions Snorkeling and Beach: $111
  • Most Popular Tour in La Paz Isla Espíritu Santo and Sea Lions: $122
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Chapel Hill $40


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

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Chapel Hill?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Chapel Hill in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Chapel Hill. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Chapel Hill averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chapel Hill this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chapel Hill receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Chapel Hill 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 61°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 La Paz this time of the year. In the autumn, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Chapel Hill 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

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

The weather in Chapel Hill can be very cold. La Paz is much warmer than Chapel Hill in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Chapel Hill 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

Both Chapel Hill and La Paz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches.

In the spring, La Paz is a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Chapel Hill averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the spring, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Chapel Hill. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Chapel Hill 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and La Paz

La Paz Chapel Hill
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)