A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Greensboro for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Greensboro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ocean City or Greensboro? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Ocean City and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Ocean City or Greensboro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Greensboro are both popular with visitors, Ocean City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ocean City is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Greensboro is known for its museums and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also home to the Ocean City boardwalk. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Ocean City different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Greensboro and Ocean City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Greensboro?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Greensboro is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.


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

Ocean City
Greensboro

Ocean City 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 Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City
Greensboro

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

Ocean City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Resorts?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Greensboro is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


Is Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Beaches?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Ocean City is well known for the beache. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Greensboro?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Greensboro is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Greensboro to go shopping. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Families?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Ocean City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Ocean City is very family-friendly. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Ocean City
Greensboro

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

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City or Greensboro Better for Students?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Greensboro is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Greensboro is a good city to visit for students. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Ocean City
Greensboro

Both Ocean City and Greensboro offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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.


Is Ocean City or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Ocean City
Greensboro

Ocean City and Greensboro both are decent when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Greensboro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Greensboro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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


  • How many days in Ocean City or Greensboro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ocean City 3-7 
    Greensboro 1-2

One day in Ocean City or Greensboro?

With food and nightlife around the laid back city of Ocean City, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly 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.

A weekend in Ocean City or Greensboro?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ocean City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.


Five days in Ocean City or Greensboro?

Ocean City, 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.

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.

A week in Ocean City or Greensboro?

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

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Ocean City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocean City is $160, while the average daily cost in Greensboro is $162. 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 Ocean City and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocean City $83
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocean City $166
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Ocean City and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Ocean City or Greensboro? 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 Ocean City


Hotels in Greensboro


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: Ocean City Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocean City $47
    Greensboro $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocean City or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Ocean City 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
    Ocean City $49
    Greensboro $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocean City $18
    Greensboro $26

Tours and Activities in Ocean City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ocean City are as follows:

  • High-Speed Sunrise Cruise and Dolphin Watching: $25
  • Speedboat Coastal Tour with Dolphin Spotting: $25
  • Banana Boat Fun Adventure: $33
  • High-Speed Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watch: $36
  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Hopping Tour: $50
  • Assateague Island Morning Cruise: $79
  • Midtown District Walking Foodie Tour: $110
  • Downtown and Boardwalk Foodie Walking Tour: $110
  • Atlantic Ocean Catamaran Cruise with Crew: $125
  • Atlantic Coastline Parasailing Adventure: $132
  • Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour with Tastings: $179

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

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

  • True Crime Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • African American History Walking Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocean City $14
    Greensboro $20


When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Greensboro, 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 Ocean City Expensive? and Is Greensboro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City and Greensboro, 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 Ocean City or Greensboro?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ocean City or Greensboro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Greensboro. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Greensboro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Greensboro. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Greensboro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Greensboro. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year.

Ocean City is cooler than Greensboro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Greensboro fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Greensboro. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Greensboro in the Winter?

Both Greensboro and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Greensboro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Greensboro. It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In the winter, Ocean City is much colder than Greensboro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Greensboro averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Greensboro. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Ocean City or Greensboro in the Spring?

Both Greensboro and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

In April, Ocean City is generally cooler than Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Greensboro. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Ocean City

Ocean City Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)