A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Greensboro vs. Nags Head for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Greensboro or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head. 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.

Nags Head

And you can't forget about the nightlife and food.

Greensboro and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Nags Head?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Greensboro. Although Greensboro and Nags Head are popular destinations, Greensboro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Greensboro is very popular for its museums & sights and shopping, while Nags Head attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Greensboro is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants. It is also well known for the Greensboro Science Center. Nags Head is famous for

How is Greensboro different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Nags Head

Greensboro is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Greensboro
Nags Head

Nags Head 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 Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

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 Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Nags Head

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

Nags Head is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

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 the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Nags Head?

Greensboro
Nags Head

Greensboro is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Greensboro or Nags Head Better for Families?

Greensboro
Nags Head

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

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly . It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Nags Head

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

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

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 Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Nags Head

Nags Head is a good destination for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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 Nags Head Better for Students?

Greensboro
Nags Head

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

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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro
Nags Head

Greensboro is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Greensboro or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Nags Head

Greensboro and Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is generally not a very walkable city. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.


Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Nags Head?

Both Greensboro and Nags Head have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Greensboro. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 4-7 days is enough time in Nags Head.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Greensboro or Nags Head?

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.

With food and nightlife around the of Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Greensboro or Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated 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.

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Greensboro or Nags Head?

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.

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head 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 Nags Head is $149. 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 Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head


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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Nags Head $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

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

  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunted Walking Tour: $20
  • True Crime Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $20
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Nags Head $12


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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Nags Head?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

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 Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 81°F (27°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets less rain in July than Nags Head. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Nags Head in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Nags Head. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Nags Head. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Nags Head. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Nags Head averages at about 41°F (5°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. Greensboro usually gets less rain in January than Nags Head. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Nags Head in the Spring?

Both Nags Head and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nags Head. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Greensboro

Greensboro Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)