A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Greensboro or Austin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a under-rated, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Greensboro and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Greensboro. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greensboro
Austin

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Greensboro or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Greensboro or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Austin is a world class party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

If you're looking for night time activities Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is Greensboro or Austin Better for Music?

Greensboro
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Greensboro is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Greensboro is not a live music destination.


Is Greensboro or Austin Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Austin

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Austin?

Greensboro
Austin

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Greensboro or Austin Better for Families?

Greensboro
Austin

Both Greensboro and Austin are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.


Is Greensboro or Austin Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Austin

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

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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 Greensboro or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Austin

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Austin Better for Students?

Greensboro
Austin

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

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Greensboro
Austin

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Greensboro and Austin.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Greensboro or Austin a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Austin

Greensboro and Austin both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Greensboro and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than in Greensboro. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Austin?

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

With live music and food around the lively city of Austin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Austin?

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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, 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.

Five days in Greensboro or Austin?

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.

Austin, 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.

A week in Greensboro or Austin?

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.

Austin 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Greensboro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $162, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Greensboro and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Austin? 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 Greensboro


Hotels in Austin


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: Greensboro Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $48
    Austin $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $106
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Austin $28

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

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

  • Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
  • Downtown History Walking Tour: $30
  • Slick Dick's Wild Ride Entry Ticket: $30
  • Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $175


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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Austin?

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

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 Greensboro or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Greensboro is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 81°F (27°C), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Greensboro. In July, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Austin. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Greensboro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Greensboro is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the autumn, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. In the winter, Greensboro is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Austin. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Austin. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Greensboro is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In the spring, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Austin. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Greensboro

Greensboro Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)