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

Should you visit Greenville or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Greenville and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Greenville and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Greenville or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Greenville. Austin is bigger than Greenville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greenville or Austin?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Greenville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.


Is the Food Better in Greenville or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Is Greenville or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Is Greenville or Austin Better for Music?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Greenville is not a live music destination.


Is Greenville or Austin Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Austin?

Greenville
Austin

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Austin both offer plenty of notable spots.

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Greenville or Austin More Beautiful?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is adequate for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Greenville or Austin Better for Families?

Greenville
Austin

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Greenville or Austin.

Greenville offers lots of family activities. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Austin is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Greenville or Austin Better for Couples?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is very good for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Is Greenville or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Greenville is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. While there are students in the area, there is little else to bring backpackers to town.


Is Greenville or Austin Better for Students?

Greenville
Austin

Austin is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Greenville is not known for students.

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Greenville is a decent spot for students. Furman University has a pretty campus and is a nice place to visit.

Is Greenville or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville
Austin

Greenville and Austin both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Greenville or Austin a more walkable city?

Greenville
Austin

Greenville and Austin are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.


For even more information, also check out Is Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Greenville 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 Austin.


  • How many days in Greenville or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Greenville or Austin?

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

With live music and food around the entrepreneurial city of Austin, there's plenty to do. 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 Greenville or Austin?

Greenville 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 food and shopping around the destination of Austin, 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 Greenville or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. 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.

Austin, 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 Greenville or Austin?

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

Austin 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Greenville?

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

  • Greenville Prices
    USA Prices
    Austin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Austin $167

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. 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 Greenville and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Austin? 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 Greenville


Hotels in Austin


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: Greenville Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

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

  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Greenville 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
    Greenville $37
    Austin $60
Typical Food Prices in Greenville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Greenville:


  • Marble Slab Creamery (for 2)
    $9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
  • Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
  • Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
  • Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
  • South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
  • Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Austin $28

Tours and Activities in Greenville

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

  • Epic Royalty Themed Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Greenville: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Greenville SC: $15
  • Greenville Haunted Bar Tour: $35
  • Paranormal Walking Tour by Greenville Ghost Tours: $35
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Dessert Tour: $90
  • Saturday Morning Breakfast Tour: $90
  • Greenville Bites and Sights Lunch Tour: $95
  • Bites and Sights Guided Walking Tour: $95
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $95
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $95
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
  • Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $54
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
  • Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
  • Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
  • East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
  • At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
  • Street Art and Brewery Bike Tour: $77
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • Brewery Tour with Live Music and Beer Tastings: $130
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Greenville and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Greenville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Greenville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Greenville 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Greenville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Greenville Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Austin, 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.