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

Should you visit Greenville or Durango?

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

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a charming, quaint, and scenic small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Greenville and Durango: 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 for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Greenville or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Greenville is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Durango is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greenville or Durango Better for Skiing?

Greenville
Durango

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Greenville is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Greenville is not a skiing destination.


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

Greenville
Durango

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Durango 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.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

Greenville
Durango

Dining out at restaurants in both Greenville and Durango 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.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Greenville or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Durango

Greenville is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.


Is Greenville or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Greenville
Durango

Durango is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Greenville does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Greenville does not have a historic old town.

Is Greenville or Durango Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Durango

Durango is a great small town for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Durango?

Greenville
Durango

Greenville is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Greenville. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.


Is Greenville or Durango More Beautiful?

Greenville
Durango

Durango is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greenville or Durango Better for Families?

Greenville
Durango

Durango is a great small town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Greenville or Durango Better for Couples?

Greenville
Durango

Neither Greenville or Durango is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

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

Durango is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.


Is Greenville or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Durango

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

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Greenville
Durango

Greenville is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Greenville or Durango a more walkable city?

Greenville
Durango

Greenville and Durango 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.


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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Durango?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Greenville or Durango?

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.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Greenville or Durango?

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.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this small town.

Five days in Greenville or Durango?

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.

Durango, a popular small town, 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 Greenville or Durango?

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.

Durango 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, Durango 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
    Durango Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Durango $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Durango is $190. 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 Durango in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Durango $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Durango $158
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Durango

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Durango? 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 Durango


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 Durango Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Durango $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Durango?

Prices for flights to both Durango 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
    Durango $86
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Durango $46

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
  • Greenville Bites and Sights Lunch Tour: $95
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $120
  • Greenville Haunted Bar Tour: $35
  • 2-Hour Cocktail Tour: $109
  • 2-Hour Dessert Tour: $90
  • Bites and Sights Guided Walking Tour: $95
  • Downtown Helicopter Tour: $110
  • Helicopter Tour of Lake Robinson and Mountains: $275
  • Saturday Morning Breakfast Tour: $90
  • Scenic Helicopter Tour Over Swamp Rabbit Trail: $165

Typical Entertainment Prices in Durango

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Durango's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Hot Springs (for 2)
    $50
  • Tubing (for 2)
    $40

Tours and Activities in Durango

For Durango, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Scenic Waterfall Jeep Tour~ 2.5 hours: $99
  • 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango: $173
  • 12-zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango: $173
  • 6-zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango: $140
  • 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour: $101
  • Durango After Dark: Dead Rails Gorge Ghost Tour: $24
  • Durango Half Day Jeep Tour - La Plata Canyon: $130
  • Durango Half Day Jeep Tour - La Plata Canyon: $130
  • Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day: $185
  • Durango Train and Silverton Jeep Tour Package: $215
  • La Plata Canyon Exclusive Access Jeep Tour: $127
  • La Plata Canyon Scenic Waterfalls Jeep Tour: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Durango $30


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Durango?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Durango, 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.