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

Should you visit Greensboro or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Greensboro and Phoenix: 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 for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phoenix than Greensboro, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Phoenix is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also home to Desert Botanical Garden. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Phoenix

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Greensboro and Phoenix.

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 Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.


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

Greensboro
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Phoenix

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

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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Greensboro or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Phoenix

Phoenix is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Phoenix?

Greensboro
Phoenix

Shopping is a popular activity in both Phoenix and Greensboro.

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

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Greensboro or Phoenix Better for Families?

Greensboro
Phoenix

Both Greensboro and Phoenix are good 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.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Greensboro or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Phoenix

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

Phoenix makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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 Phoenix Better for Students?

Greensboro
Phoenix

Greensboro is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro
Phoenix

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

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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Greensboro or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Phoenix

Greensboro and Phoenix both are decent 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.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.


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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Phoenix?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Phoenix?

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

A weekend in Greensboro or Phoenix?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $103
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Tesla Transfer from Phoenix Airport to all Hotels : $42
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Phoenix $40

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 Phoenix

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

  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Private Blackout Motel Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $35
  • Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Phoenix $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $156
  • Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215


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

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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Greensboro is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Phoenix. The autumn months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

In October, Greensboro is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Phoenix. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Greensboro in the winter. Greensboro is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Greensboro is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Greensboro

Greensboro Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)