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

Should you visit Greensboro or Monterey?

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 Monterey. 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 welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Greensboro travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Monterey travel costs.

Greensboro and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Monterey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Greensboro and Monterey are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Greensboro or Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Monterey

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

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Greensboro or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Greensboro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Greensboro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Greensboro or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Greensboro
Monterey

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

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Monterey?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Is Greensboro or Monterey Better for Families?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey 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, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Monterey

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

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey is a good destination for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Monterey Better for Students?

Greensboro
Monterey

Greensboro is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

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

Monterey is not popular with students.


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

Greensboro
Monterey

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

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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Greensboro or Monterey a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Monterey

Monterey is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Monterey?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Greensboro or Monterey?

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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Greensboro or Monterey?

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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, 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 Greensboro or Monterey?

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.

Monterey, 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 Greensboro or Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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, Monterey 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
    Monterey Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Monterey $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. 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 Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Monterey? 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 Monterey


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 Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Monterey $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey 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
    Monterey $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Monterey $27

Tours and Activities in Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo: $23
  • Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
  • Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $62
  • Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
  • Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
  • Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide: $70
  • Whale Watching Cruise: $72
  • Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with A Guide: $75
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
  • "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Monterey $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206


When comparing the travel costs between Greensboro and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Monterey?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Greensboro is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Greensboro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Monterey in the Autumn?

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

In October, Greensboro is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Monterey. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Monterey in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Greensboro. Greensboro is much colder than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Monterey. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Greensboro is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Monterey. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and Greensboro

Greensboro Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)