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

Should you visit Sarasota or Greensboro?

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 Sarasota and Greensboro. 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a friendly, welcoming, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sarasota and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • 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 Sarasota or Greensboro?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Sarasota different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Greensboro?

Sarasota
Greensboro

Sarasota is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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.


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

Sarasota
Greensboro

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

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 Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Greensboro

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Greensboro.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greensboro. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Greensboro

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

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Greensboro

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

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Greensboro?

Sarasota
Greensboro

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Greensboro both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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

Is Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Families?

Sarasota
Greensboro

Sarasota 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, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Greensboro

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

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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 Sarasota or Greensboro Better for Students?

Sarasota
Greensboro

Greensboro is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota
Greensboro

Sarasota and Greensboro both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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.


Is Sarasota or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Greensboro

Sarasota and Greensboro are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Greensboro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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

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


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

One day in Sarasota or Greensboro?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing city of Sarasota, 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.

The city of Greensboro offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Greensboro?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, 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.

Greensboro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greensboro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Sarasota or Greensboro?

Sarasota, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greensboro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Greensboro?

Sarasota 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.

Greensboro is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Sarasota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, 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 Sarasota and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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 Sarasota


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Greensboro $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $137
    Greensboro $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarasota $11
    Greensboro $26

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley Tour: $14
  • Palmetto: Haunted History Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Robinson Preserve Nature Walk Eco Tour: $40
  • Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $50
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Sharkey's Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour in Sarasota: $55
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $57
  • Kayak Paddling Experience at The Bay Park: $58
  • Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarasota -
    Greensboro $20


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


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Greensboro?

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 Sarasota or Greensboro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Greensboro. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Greensboro in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Greensboro fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the summer, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Greensboro. Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Greensboro. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Greensboro in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sarasota is a little warmer than Greensboro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Greensboro averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Greensboro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Greensboro. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Greensboro in the Winter?

Both Greensboro and Sarasota during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Greensboro. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 169 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Greensboro. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Greensboro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Greensboro. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Greensboro in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Greensboro fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Greensboro. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Sarasota

Sarasota Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)