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

Should you visit Marathon or Greensboro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Greensboro, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a under-rated, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greensboro travel costs.

Marathon and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Marathon or Greensboro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Greensboro are popular destinations, Marathon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marathon is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also well known for The Dolphin Research Center. Greensboro is famous for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Marathon different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marathon
Greensboro

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Greensboro is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marathon
Greensboro

Marathon 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 Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Marathon
Greensboro

The vibe at night is nice in both Marathon and Greensboro.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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

Is Marathon or Greensboro Better for Resorts?

Marathon
Greensboro

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

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Greensboro is not a resort destination.


Is Marathon or Greensboro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon
Greensboro

Marathon 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 Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Greensboro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Greensboro Better for Beaches?

Marathon
Greensboro

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

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Greensboro is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Greensboro?

Marathon
Greensboro

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Greensboro. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Marathon or Greensboro More Beautiful?

Marathon
Greensboro

Marathon is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Greensboro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Greensboro Better for Families?

Marathon
Greensboro

Marathon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Marathon
Greensboro

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

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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 Marathon or Greensboro Better for Students?

Marathon
Greensboro

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Marathon
Greensboro

Greensboro is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Marathon
Greensboro

Marathon and Greensboro are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Greensboro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Greensboro to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Greensboro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greensboro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Greensboro than Marathon 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 Greensboro.


  • How many days in Marathon or Greensboro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marathon 3-7 
    Greensboro 1-2

One day in Marathon or Greensboro?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quaint island of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Marathon or Greensboro?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Marathon, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Marathon or Greensboro?

Marathon, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. 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 Marathon or Greensboro?

Marathon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Marathon?

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

  • Marathon Prices
    USA Prices
    Greensboro Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Marathon $195
    Greensboro $197

The average daily cost (per person) in Marathon is $195, while the average daily cost in Greensboro is $197. 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 Marathon and Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marathon $76
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marathon $152
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Marathon 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 Marathon


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: Marathon Hotel Prices and Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marathon $47
    Greensboro $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Marathon or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro and Marathon 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
    Marathon $89
    Greensboro $82

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

Tours and Activities in Marathon

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

  • Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
  • Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
  • Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
  • Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marathon $24
    Greensboro $20


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


Which is Bigger, Marathon or Greensboro?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Greensboro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Greensboro. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Greensboro in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marathon is around the same temperature as Greensboro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Greensboro averages at about 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 Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Greensboro. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Greensboro. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Greensboro. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Marathon 84°F (29°C) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Greensboro in the Autumn?

Both Greensboro and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Greensboro for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Greensboro fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Greensboro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Greensboro. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Marathon 80°F (27°C) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Greensboro in the Winter?

Both Greensboro and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. Marathon is much warmer than Greensboro in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Greensboro fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Greensboro. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 169 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Greensboro. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Marathon 70°F (21°C) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Marathon or Greensboro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Greensboro. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Greensboro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Greensboro averages at about 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Greensboro. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Marathon 77°F (25°C) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Marathon

Marathon Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)