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

Should you visit Greensboro or Detroit?

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 Detroit. 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 friendly, welcoming, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Greensboro and Detroit: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Detroit?

You'll generally find more things to do in Detroit than Greensboro. Detroit is bigger than Greensboro, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Detroit is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. Also, Detroit is famous for the Henry Ford Experience. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Detroit

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Greensboro and Detroit.

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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Greensboro
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

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 Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Detroit

Detroit is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Greensboro
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Greensboro is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Detroit?

Greensboro
Detroit

Shopping is a popular activity in both Detroit and Greensboro.

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

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Greensboro or Detroit Better for Families?

Greensboro
Detroit

Both Greensboro and Detroit are notable 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.

Detroit offers lots of family activities. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Greensboro or Detroit Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Detroit

Most people don't think of either Greensboro or Detroit 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.


Is Greensboro or Detroit Better for Students?

Greensboro
Detroit

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro
Detroit

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

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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Greensboro or Detroit a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Detroit

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Detroit?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Detroit?

In Greensboro, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With live music and food around the overlooked city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Greensboro or Detroit?

In Greensboro, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greensboro has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greensboro or Detroit?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit, 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greensboro. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Greensboro. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $129
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $141
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Detroit $21

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 Detroit

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

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.61
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

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

Greensboro is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In the summer, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Greensboro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Detroit in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Greensboro is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Greensboro in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Detroit. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Detroit in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. In January, Greensboro is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 40°F (4°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Detroit. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city.

Greensboro is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Greensboro

Greensboro Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)