A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Durham for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Durham?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Durham? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Durham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in West Palm Beach than Durham. While Durham is larger than West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is West Palm Beach different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Durham and West Palm Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Durham?

Durham is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Durham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its resorts. However, Durham is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Durham?

Durham is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Families?

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Durham is a family-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is West Palm Beach or Durham a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Durham is generally not a very walkable beach area. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Durham?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durham than West Palm Beach 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 Durham.

One day in West Palm Beach or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The diverse destination of Durham 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 West Palm Beach or Durham?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Durham 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 West Palm Beach or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in West Palm Beach or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Durham. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Durham, 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 West Palm Beach or Durham?

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 West Palm Beach or Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and West Palm Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Durham. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Durham. Also, many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Durham in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Durham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Durham. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Durham averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches during these months.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Durham during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Durham. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for Durham and West Palm Beach