A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greenville vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Greenville or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a hospitable, southern, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Greenville travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Greenville and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Greenville and Portland, Maine are roughly the same size, Portland, Maine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland, Maine is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greenville attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also well known for The Portland Head Light. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Greenville is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Greenville or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portland, Maine is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Greenville and Portland, Maine.

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 Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Greenville or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Greenville is not a beach destination.


Is Greenville or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is very good for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Portland, Maine both offer plenty of nice 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.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Greenville or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a great coastal town for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Greenville or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Greenville or Portland, Maine.

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.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Greenville or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

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

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Greenville is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.


Is Greenville or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Greenville
Portland, Maine

Greenville and Portland, Maine are reasonable 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.


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

One day in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

The hospitable destination of Greenville offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With shopping and nightlife around the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine, 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.

A weekend in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

The city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Portland, Maine, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.


Five days in Greenville or Portland, Maine?

Greenville is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Portland, Maine, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Greenville. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portland, Maine 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, Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Portland, Maine $34

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 Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136
  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $84
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 Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

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

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Portland, Maine $39

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

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

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

  • 2 Hour Scenic Powerboat Cruise Experience Portland's Waterfront: $143
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland: $49
  • Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $62
  • Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine: $67
  • Around The Peninsula Bike Tour: $85
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour: $56
  • Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
  • Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: $56
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Portland, Maine $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Portland, Maine, 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.