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

Should you visit Durham 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 Durham and Greensboro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Durham 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 Durham or Greensboro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Durham. Although Durham and Greensboro are both popular with visitors, Durham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Durham is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team. It is also home to the Duke University Chapel. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Durham different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Durham
Greensboro

Durham is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Durham. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. 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 Durham or Greensboro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Durham
Greensboro

Durham 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 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.

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 Durham or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Durham
Greensboro

Both Durham and Greensboro are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Greensboro. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Greensboro?

Durham
Greensboro

Both Durham and Greensboro are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Greensboro. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.


Is Durham or Greensboro Better for Families?

Durham
Greensboro

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

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Greensboro is a family-friendly city. 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 Durham or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Durham
Greensboro

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

Durham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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 Durham or Greensboro Better for Students?

Durham
Greensboro

Durham is well known for students. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Durham. 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.

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.


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

Durham
Greensboro

Both Durham and Greensboro offer decent public transit options.

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

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 Durham or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Durham
Greensboro

Durham and Greensboro both are decent when exploring on foot.

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

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 Durham Worth Visiting? and Is Greensboro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Durham?

How long in Durham or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Durham or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Durham 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 Durham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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

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


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

One day in Durham or Greensboro?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Greensboro. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Durham or Greensboro?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Durham, 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.

Greensboro 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.

Five days in Durham or Greensboro?

Durham, 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.

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

A week in Durham or Greensboro?

Durham 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Greensboro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Durham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $162, 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 Durham and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $92
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $184
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Durham and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Durham 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 Durham


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: Durham Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Durham or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Durham 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
    Durham $44
    Greensboro $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Durham $26
    Greensboro $26

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

  • True Crime Tour: $13
  • Downtown Durham Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • Durham African American History Tour: $16
  • Durham NC: Art Walking Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Durham $34
    Greensboro $20


When comparing the travel costs between Durham and Greensboro, we can see that Durham 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 Durham Expensive? and Is Greensboro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Durham or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham or Greensboro?

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 Durham or Greensboro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Greensboro. Many visitors come to Durham in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 79°F (26°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Greensboro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Greensboro. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Durham or Greensboro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Durham as well as Greensboro. Most visitors come to Durham for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the shopping scene.

Durham is around the same temperature as Greensboro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Greensboro fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the autumn, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 212 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Greensboro. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Durham or Greensboro in the Winter?

Both Greensboro and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Durham 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. The weather in Durham can be very cold. In the winter, Durham is around the same temperature as Greensboro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Durham in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Greensboro averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Durham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Greensboro. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Durham or Greensboro in the Spring?

Both Greensboro and Durham during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 60°F (16°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Greensboro. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Durham

Durham Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)