A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Bern vs. Dallas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New Bern or Dallas?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Dallas? 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a quaint, charming, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See New Bern travel costs.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dallas travel costs.

New Bern and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in New Bern or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although New Bern and Dallas are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while New Bern attracts visitors for its small town charm. New Bern is more touristy than Dallas and is known for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is New Bern different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Dallas?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.


Is the Food Better in New Bern or Dallas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Dallas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Dallas?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for shopping. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.


Is New Bern or Dallas Better for Families?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Dallas Better for Couples?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is New Bern or Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New Bern
Dallas

Dallas is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.


Is New Bern or Dallas a more walkable city?

New Bern
Dallas

New Bern is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable town. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either New Bern or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than New Bern 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in New Bern or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in New Bern or Dallas?

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Dallas offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in New Bern or Dallas?

New Bern 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.

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


Five days in New Bern or Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New Bern. 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.

Dallas 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 New Bern or Dallas?

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas 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 city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Dallas or New Bern?

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

  • New Bern Prices
    USA Prices
    Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Bern $169
    Dallas $166

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $169, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $166. 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 New Bern and Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in New Bern or Dallas? 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 New Bern


Hotels in Dallas


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: New Bern Hotel Prices and Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas by Luxury SUV: $140
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $180
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $160
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas and New Bern 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
    New Bern $70
    Dallas $61

Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Downtown Dallas Walking Food Tour History and Cocktail Package : $25
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $95
  • Dallas Food Tour with 5 Epic Food Tastings in Deep Ellum: $99
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $99
  • Downtown Dallas Holiday Lights Food Tour: $100
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $104
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas : Cocktail package available: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Bern $26
    Dallas $13

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $4.78
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $7.70
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dallas: $15
  • Sweet Tooth Hotel Dreamland: Immersive Art Experience: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plano by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket: $21
  • 65 Minute JFK Assassination Walking and Van Tour: $21
  • Dallas Stars NHL Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
  • PEPPA PIG Theme Park Admission Tickets in Dallas Fort Worth: $22
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Grapevine Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dallas Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $40
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Dallas, we can see that New Bern 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Bern or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern and Dallas, 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 New Bern or Dallas?

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 New Bern or Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Dallas. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New Bern is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Bern in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Dallas. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, New Bern is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 65°F (18°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

New Bern is cooler than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Dallas. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dallas because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, New Bern is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Bern in April average around 62°F (16°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and New Bern

New Bern Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)