A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Greenville vs. Calgary for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Greenville or Calgary?

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 Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Greenville travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Greenville and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Greenville or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calgary than Greenville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Calgary is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. It is also home to Calgary Olympic Park. Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greenville
Calgary

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Calgary and Greenville.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greenville. 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.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.


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

Greenville
Calgary

Dining out at restaurants in both Greenville and Calgary can be an enjoyable experience.

Greenville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Calgary offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Greenville or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Calgary

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Greenville and Calgary.

If you're looking for night time activities Greenville has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Calgary?

Greenville
Calgary

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Calgary both offer plenty of good 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.

Calgary is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.


Is Greenville or Calgary Better for Families?

Greenville
Calgary

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Greenville or Calgary.

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.

Calgary is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Greenville or Calgary Better for Couples?

Greenville
Calgary

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

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

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 Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Calgary

Calgary is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Calgary is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville
Calgary

Calgary is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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

Is Greenville or Calgary a more walkable city?

Greenville
Calgary

Greenville and Calgary are decent 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.

Calgary is generally not very walkable. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Greenville or Calgary to fill your time. In our opinion, Calgary has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Calgary than Greenville. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Greenville or Calgary?

In Greenville, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Calgary, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Greenville or Calgary?

In Greenville, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greenville has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Calgary, 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 Calgary?

Greenville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary, 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 Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Greenville. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary 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
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. 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 Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Calgary? 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 Calgary


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 Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Calgary $12

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 Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215
  • Calgary YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Private Transfer: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary 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
    Calgary $54
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

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Calgary $15

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 Calgary

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


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

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

  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $132
  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
  • 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
  • 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $241
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
  • Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
  • Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
  • Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $537
  • Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls and Three Lakes tour: $73
  • Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary: $88
  • Banff Johnston Canyon and Banff Gondola 1 Day Tour from Calgary: $118
  • Banff Lake Louise Moraine & Emerald Lake Tour: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

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

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Calgary, 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.