A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Virginia Beach for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Greensboro and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Greensboro than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Greensboro, Greensboro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Greensboro is better known for its museums and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants. Also, Greensboro is famous for the Greensboro Science Center.

How is Greensboro different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Both Greensboro and Virginia Beach offer a number of respectable 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Greensboro or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

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

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 Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Greensboro or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its resorts. However, Greensboro is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


Is Greensboro or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a good destination for the beache. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Greensboro. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Greensboro or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly coastal city. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Greensboro and Virginia Beach are notable places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

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

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Greensboro is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Greensboro or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Virginia Beach

Greensboro and Virginia Beach both are respectable 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Both Greensboro and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Greensboro. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Greensboro than Virginia Beach 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 Greensboro.


  • How many days in Greensboro or Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

In Greensboro, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife around the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greensboro. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, 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 coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Greensboro. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Virginia Beach $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 Virginia Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Greensboro and Virginia Beach, we can see that Greensboro is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Greensboro in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Virginia Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. In January, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 40°F (4°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Greensboro is a little warmer than Virginia Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Greensboro

Greensboro Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)