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

Should you visit Greensboro or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville. 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. See Greensboro travel costs.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Greensboro and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Charlottesville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charlottesville than Greensboro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charlottesville is better known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Greensboro is more popular for its shopping. Charlottesville is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. Also, Charlottesville is famous for The University of Virginia Campus. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Greensboro and Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.


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

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Both Greensboro and Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Greensboro or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

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

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 Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Greensboro or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

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

Many people head to Charlottesville to see the old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Greensboro does not have a historic old town.


Is Greensboro or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

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

Charlottesville offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Charlottesville?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Greensboro is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Greensboro or Charlottesville More Beautiful?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Greensboro or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Both Greensboro and Charlottesville are notable 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.

Charlottesville offers lots of family activities. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Greensboro or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

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

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

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 Charlottesville Better for Students?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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.


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

Greensboro
Charlottesville

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

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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Greensboro or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Charlottesville

Greensboro and Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable city. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Charlottesville?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Charlottesville?

The friendly destination of Greensboro offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Charlottesville?

The city of Greensboro offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Charlottesville is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

Five days in Greensboro or Charlottesville?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Charlottesville, a popular university town, 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 Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Greensboro. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville 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.


Which place is cheaper, Charlottesville or Greensboro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Greensboro Prices
    USA Prices
    Charlottesville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Charlottesville $185

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Charlottesville is $185. 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 Charlottesville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Charlottesville $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Charlottesville $160
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Charlottesville

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Charlottesville? 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 Charlottesville


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 Charlottesville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Charlottesville $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Charlottesville?

Prices for flights to both Charlottesville 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 $82
    Charlottesville $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville

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

  • The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75

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

Tours and Activities in Charlottesville

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

  • Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
  • Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $32
  • Small Group Washington DC to Thomas Jefferson Monticello Day Tour: $180
  • Wine and Culinary Delight Private Tour: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Charlottesville $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville

Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Family Wine Tour: $85
  • Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
  • 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
  • Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248


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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Charlottesville?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Charlottesville. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Charlottesville 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Charlottesville. The shopping scene are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Greensboro in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Charlottesville 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Charlottesville. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Greensboro. In January, Greensboro is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 40°F (4°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

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

Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Charlottesville. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Charlottesville 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlottesville. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Greensboro

Greensboro Charlottesville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 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) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)