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

Should you visit Greensboro or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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 Greensboro or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbus than Greensboro. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Columbus is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. It is also well known for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbus 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 Columbus?

Greensboro
Columbus

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Greensboro and Columbus.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.


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

Greensboro
Columbus

Both Greensboro and Columbus offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Greensboro. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Columbus may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Greensboro or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Columbus

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Greensboro and Columbus.

Greensboro has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Columbus?

Greensboro
Columbus

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbus and Greensboro.

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

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.


Is Greensboro or Columbus Better for Families?

Greensboro
Columbus

Columbus is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Greensboro offers lots of family activities. 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 Greensboro or Columbus Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Columbus

Most people don't think of either Greensboro or Columbus as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Greensboro as a couple's destination. 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.

Columbus is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Greensboro or Columbus Better for Students?

Greensboro
Columbus

Greensboro is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Columbus is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Columbus

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

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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Greensboro or Columbus a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Columbus

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Greensboro or Columbus to fill your time. In our opinion, Columbus has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbus than Greensboro. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Columbus?

The city of Greensboro offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


A weekend in Greensboro or Columbus?

Greensboro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greensboro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Greensboro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus, 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 Columbus?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbus 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, Columbus 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 Columbus is $158. 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 Columbus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Columbus $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Columbus $144
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Columbus

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Columbus? 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 Columbus


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 Columbus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Columbus $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

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

  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Columbus?

Prices for flights to both Columbus 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
    Columbus $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Columbus $46

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

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45

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


When comparing the travel costs between Greensboro and Columbus, 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 Columbus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Columbus?

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

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 Greensboro or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Columbus. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Columbus. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In the summer, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbus. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Columbus 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Greensboro is a little warmer than Columbus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Columbus. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Columbus 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Greensboro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Greensboro is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Columbus averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Columbus.

In April, Greensboro is generally a little warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Columbus 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Columbus and Greensboro

Greensboro Columbus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)