A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Greensboro or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Greensboro travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Greensboro and Santa Monica: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Greensboro and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

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 Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.


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

Greensboro
Santa Monica

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and 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 Santa Monica Better for Students?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

Greensboro is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is well known for its public transit. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Monica has some very good public transit options. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Greensboro or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.


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

One day in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

In Greensboro, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With museums and nightlife around the lively town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

Greensboro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Greensboro or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming destination of Greensboro. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Monica?

Greensboro is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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, Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Santa Monica $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $248. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica


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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Santa Monica $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
  • Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
  • Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Santa Monica $38

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • Santa Monica Superhero Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour: $26
  • Santa Monica Art Museum: General Admission Ticket: $28
  • LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $30
  • Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30
  • Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour: $49
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
  • Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop: $55
  • Venice Beach and Santa Monica eBike Tour : $56
  • Best of LA Tour with 3 Iconic Stops: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Santa Monica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

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

  • Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15


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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Santa Monica?

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

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 Greensboro or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Santa Monica. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Greensboro is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Greensboro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Greensboro is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Greensboro in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Greensboro is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 40°F (4°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Greensboro during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Greensboro

Greensboro Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)