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

Should you visit Greensboro or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma. 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.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a relaxing, scenic, and serene county. The famous beauty of Sonoma is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Sonoma travel costs.

Greensboro and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Sonoma?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sonoma. Although Greensboro and Sonoma are both popular with visitors, Sonoma has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sonoma is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its museums and attractions. Sonoma is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also home to Buena Vista Winery. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greensboro
Sonoma

Greensboro is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.


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

Greensboro
Sonoma

Sonoma is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Sonoma, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Sonoma

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

Sonoma is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Greensboro
Sonoma

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

There are plenty of resorts in Sonoma to choose from. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


Is Greensboro or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Sonoma is well known for the beach. However, Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Sonoma for it's beautiful beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is Greensboro or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Sonoma is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Sonoma?

Greensboro
Sonoma

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

Sonoma is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma More Beautiful?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Sonoma is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Sonoma is one of the main draws. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greensboro or Sonoma Better for Families?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Both Greensboro and Sonoma are good 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.

Sonoma offers lots of family activities. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Greensboro or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Sonoma is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Sonoma is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma Better for Students?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Greensboro is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro
Sonoma

Greensboro is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Greensboro or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Sonoma

Greensboro is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

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.

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.


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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Greensboro or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sonoma due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Greensboro or Sonoma? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Sonoma 2-4

One day in Greensboro or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Greensboro. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With shopping and nightlife around the serene county of Sonoma, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greensboro or Sonoma?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sonoma, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this county.

Five days in Greensboro or Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greensboro. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sonoma, a popular county, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Greensboro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sonoma is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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, Sonoma 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
    Sonoma Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greensboro $197
    Sonoma $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $197, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $260. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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 Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Sonoma $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
    Sonoma $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greensboro $26
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

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

  • Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour: $109
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $135
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $340

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Sonoma $41


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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Sonoma?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Greensboro for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Greensboro is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Sonoma. The autumn months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

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

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Greensboro or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Sonoma. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Greensboro in the winter. Greensboro is much colder than Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Greensboro usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Greensboro

Greensboro Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)