A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Charlotte vs. Greensboro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Charlotte or Greensboro?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Greensboro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Charlotte and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Greensboro, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Charlotte is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Charlotte different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Charlotte
Greensboro

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Greensboro and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Greensboro is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Greensboro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Greensboro

Charlotte is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Charlotte or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Greensboro

The vibe at night is good in both Charlotte and Greensboro.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greensboro. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Charlotte
Greensboro

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Greensboro both offer plenty of good spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Greensboro is a great destination for shopping. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.


Is Charlotte or Greensboro Better for Families?

Charlotte
Greensboro

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Greensboro.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Greensboro is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Is Charlotte or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Greensboro

Charlotte is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Charlotte makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Charlotte or Greensboro Better for Students?

Charlotte
Greensboro

For students, both Charlotte and Greensboro are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Greensboro is a good city to visit for students. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.


Is Charlotte or Greensboro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Greensboro

Charlotte is a good destination for its public transit. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Charlotte, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Is Charlotte or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Greensboro

Charlotte is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Greensboro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte than Greensboro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charlotte than Greensboro 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 Charlotte.


  • How many days in Charlotte or Greensboro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Greensboro 1-2

One day in Charlotte or Greensboro?

With museums and nightlife around the evolving city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Greensboro. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greensboro has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Charlotte or Greensboro?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Greensboro. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Charlotte, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Greensboro. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Charlotte is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Greensboro is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Greensboro is $162. 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 Charlotte and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Greensboro? 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 Charlotte


Hotels in Greensboro


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Greensboro $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Greensboro $48
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Greensboro $26

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Queen City Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • African American History Walking Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • True Crime Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Greensboro $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240


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

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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Greensboro?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Greensboro, 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 Charlotte or Greensboro?

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 Charlotte or Greensboro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Greensboro. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Greensboro. Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Greensboro. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Greensboro in the Autumn?

Both Greensboro and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the shopping scene.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Greensboro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Greensboro fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Greensboro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Greensboro. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Greensboro in the Winter?

Both Greensboro and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year.

It's quite cold in Greensboro in the winter. In the winter, Charlotte is a little warmer than Greensboro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Greensboro averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 169 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Greensboro. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Greensboro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Greensboro. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

In April, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Greensboro. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Charlotte

Charlotte Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)