A Travel Price Comparison for North Carolina Greensboro vs. Wilmington for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Greensboro or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington. 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. See Greensboro travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Wilmington travel costs.

Greensboro and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greensboro or Wilmington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wilmington than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Greensboro or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is well known for the beach. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wilmington for it's beautiful beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is Greensboro or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a good destination for its old town. However, Greensboro does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Greensboro does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Wilmington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wilmington and Greensboro.

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

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Greensboro or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington Better for Couples?

Wilmington is well known for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington Better for Students?

Greensboro and Wilmington are nice 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 Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

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

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

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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Greensboro or Wilmington a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Wilmington?

In either Greensboro or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than Greensboro because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

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

One day in Greensboro or Wilmington?

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greensboro or Wilmington?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greensboro, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wilmington?

Greensboro, 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.

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Wilmington?

Greensboro 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.

Wilmington 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Greensboro and Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington 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 Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun.

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Wilmington in the Autumn?

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

Greensboro is cooler than Wilmington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington 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 Wilmington during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Greensboro or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Wilmington. 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 Wilmington this time of year.

The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. In the winter, Greensboro is much colder than Wilmington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Greensboro in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Wilmington averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets less rain in January than Wilmington. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Wilmington in the Spring?

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

In April, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 61°F (16°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives less sunshine than Wilmington during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Greensboro