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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Chapel Hill? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

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

Chapel Hill

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

Mazatlan and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Chapel Hill are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Chapel Hill is known for its nightlife. Mazatlan is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Chapel Hill is popular for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Mazatlan different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Chapel Hill.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Chapel Hill specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan is an experience not to be missed. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

Chapel Hill is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Chapel Hill is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Chapel Hill is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Chapel Hill and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Chapel Hill has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Chapel Hill.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Chapel Hill make for a good place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. 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.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Chapel Hill.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is Mazatlan or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

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

Mazatlan is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Chapel Hill. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Chapel Hill. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chapel Hill.

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

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historical city of Mazatlan. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 town of Chapel Hill offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Mazatlan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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.

Chapel Hill is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chapel Hill, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural city of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

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

Chapel Hill is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Chapel Hill, we can see that Chapel Hill is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Chapel Hill?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Chapel Hill in the Summer?

Both Chapel Hill and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Chapel Hill. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Chapel Hill averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Chapel Hill during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 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 Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

Both Chapel Hill and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Chapel Hill. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Chapel Hill. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Chapel Hill. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chapel Hill can get quite cold in the winter. Mazatlan is much warmer than Chapel Hill in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Chapel Hill during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Chapel Hill receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Chapel Hill averages at about 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 Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chapel Hill. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chapel Hill receives 251 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Mazatlan