Chapel Hill is a student-oriented town known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Chapel Hill and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Chapel Hill?
You should plan to spend around $200 per day on your vacation in Chapel Hill. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $84 on meals
- $34 on local transportation
- $189 on hotels
A one week trip to Chapel Hill for two people costs, on average, $2,800. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,400
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,800
-
One Month
Per person
$6,000
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,800
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,600
-
One Month
For a couple
$12,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Chapel Hill cost?
A one week trip to Chapel Hill usually costs around $1,400 for one person and $2,800 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Chapel Hill on average costs around $2,800 for one person and $5,600 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Chapel Hill will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Chapel Hill on average costs around $6,000 for one person and $12,000 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Chapel Hill expensive to visit?
Chapel Hill is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Chapel Hill can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $86 per day, mid-range travelers spend $200 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $402 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Chapel Hill.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Chapel Hill is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Victoria or El Paso.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Chapel Hill Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Chapel Hill?
The average Chapel Hill trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Chapel Hill travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Chapel Hill cost?
Chapel Hill on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$41
|
$95
|
$191
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
|
$34
|
$83
|
|
Food 2
|
$37
|
$84
|
$161
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7.50
|
$17
|
$33
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$9-26
|
$20-60
|
$38-115
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Chapel Hill on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $86 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Chapel Hill, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $200 per person, per day.
In Chapel Hill, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Graduate Chapel Hill is a fantastic option for families, and Aloft Chapel Hill is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Chapel Hill here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $402 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the town will demand a higher price range.
Accommodation Budget in Chapel Hill
The cost of hotels in Chapel Hill can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $176, but the demand in peak fall or spring season pushes that average to around $328. Budget hotels range from $146 to $414, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Chapel Hill for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $189. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $95 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Chapel Hill? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Chapel Hill include:
- Rizzo Center starting at $171
- Graduate Chapel Hill starting at $180
- Residence Inn by Marriott Chapel Hill starting at $226
- AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown starting at $163
- Courtyard Chapel Hill starting at $137
If you want to save on accommodation in Chapel Hill, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding fall or spring will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Chapel Hill
Public transit in Chapel Hill is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Chapel Hill is fairly walkable in some areas, which can make it easier to see some sights. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $34 per person, per day, on local transportation in Chapel Hill. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Chapel Hill is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$34
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
How much does it cost to go to Chapel Hill? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Chapel Hill will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Chapel Hill
The cuisine in Chapel Hill is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the town that are worth exploring. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Chapel Hill can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Chapel Hill is $84 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$84
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Chapel Hill is around $84 ($84) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $161. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Chapel Hill are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $25 to $59
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
As a college town, Chapel Hill has many interesting places to eat. Franklin Street is the main commercial area near the university. This street has many restaurants including both cheap eateries and high end dining. There are the typical college eating spots with pizza, breweries, and Asian take-out available, but there are also quaint local eateries that make use of local produce. Ethnic foods are also abundant with Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Turkish all available. If you're looking for a fancy, high end restaurant, your best options are A Southern Season and Top of the Hill.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Chapel Hill
Visitors find Chapel Hill irresistible, especially for its museums and attractions, nightlife, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Chapel Hill typically cost an average of $17 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
Most of the sights and attractions in Chapel Hill are centered around the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The university is one of three that claims to be the oldest public university in the United States. It was chartered in 1789 and began enrolling students in 1795. The campus is quite beautiful and pleasant to walk around. You can also visit the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, which is the first planetarium to be built on a college campus. There are the typical planetarium shows as well as a live science demonstration and various other productions. The Carolina Basketball Museum is near the Dean Dome. The museum has exhibits about the history of Tar Heel basketball.
Other interesting sights in the area include the Ackland Art Museum, the North Carolina Botanical Garden, and the Horace Williams House. The Horace Williams House is a historic landmark with art exhibits, concerts and walking tours.
Chapel Hill hosts many different cultural and art events. UNC is home to top ranking women's and men's basketball teams and if you're in town during a game you'll see exactly how loyal the fans are in the area. Other activities include the Carrboro Farmer's Market and Varsity Theater, which is a historic movie theater on Franklin Street that opened in 1927.
Several independent bookstores in town include The Bookshop, Nice Price Books, and Flyleaf Books. Independent music stores in town include CD Alley, Carrboro Music, and The Music Loft.
Museums and Attractions:
Chapel Hill is known for its famous museums and other landmarks. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Chapel Hill is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Greensboro by Zombie Scavengers for $20 details
- 8 Hours Private Crystal Coast Sightseeing in North Carolina for $275 details
- Chapel Hill Historic Churches Tour for $16 details
Nightlife Budget in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $40 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Chapel Hill per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$40
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Chapel Hill. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Wacky Fayetteville Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam for $12 details
Traveling in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a college town in North Carolina that, together with Raleigh and Durham, makes up the Research Triangle area. The town is 28 miles northwest of Raleigh and 12 miles southwest of Durham. Chapel Hill dates back to 1819 when it was founded to support the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a population of just over 52,000, Chapel Hill has the vibe of a small college town with the amenities of a larger community. It's proximity to both Raleigh and Durham give it an economic boost that provides economic diversity and security.
Chapel Hill is a fairly liberal community with a large student population. There is a diverse population and many educational and cultural opportunities in the area.
Neighborhoods & Around
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is at the heart of the town. It can be divided into three regions. North campus has the two main quads of Polk Place and McCorkle Place as well as the Pit, Frank Porter Graham Student Union, and several libraries. Middle campus is where you'll find Fetzer Field and Woollen Gymnasium, Kenan Memorial Stadium, Carmichael Auditorium, and the School of Law. South campus is the location of the Dean Smith Center, the School of Medicine, UNC Hospitals, and the business school.
Franklin Street is the main commercial street that runs near the university. This is where you'll find the most interesting restaurants and a strong college culture. The town of Carrboro is to the west. This community has a lot of charm and hosts a weekly farmer's market every Saturday year around.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.