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

Should you visit Greenville or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a hospitable, southern, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Greenville travel costs.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See San Francisco travel costs.

Greenville and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Golden Gate Bridge


Is there more to do in Greenville or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Greenville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Francisco is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 Greenville or San Francisco Better for Theater?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Greenville is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Greenville is not a theatre destination.

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

Greenville
San Francisco

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

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
San Francisco

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

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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.


Is Greenville or San Francisco Better for Music?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is very good for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Greenville is not a live music destination.

Is Greenville or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Greenville or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or San Francisco?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Greenville is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Greenville or San Francisco More Beautiful?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greenville or San Francisco Better for Families?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is a great coastal city for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Greenville
San Francisco

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

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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


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

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in San Francisco can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Greenville or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Greenville
San Francisco

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or San Francisco?

Both Greenville and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Greenville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.


  • How many days in Greenville or San Francisco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    San Francisco 3-7

One day in Greenville or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the hospitable destination of Greenville. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Greenville or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Greenville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greenville or San Francisco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Greenville. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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, San Francisco 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
    San Francisco Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    San Francisco $251

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Greenville and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco


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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    San Francisco $16

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $432
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $270
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $245
  • Departure Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Luxury Sedan: $245
  • San Francisco to San José Airport (SJC) - Departure Private Transfer: $226
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tour : $200
  • California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $180
  • California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $180
  • San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $180
  • Private Airport Transfer From San Francisco Union Square To SFO: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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
    San Francisco $79
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 San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online Cooking Class Pepper Steak Great for Team Building: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
  • No Diet Club - Best street food tour in San Francisco !: $64
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
  • North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour: $84
  • San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
  • Mission District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $89
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $92
  • San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    San Francisco $31

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

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco: $100
  • Explore San Francisco Napa Sacramento Oakland Black Exp Car Tour: $244
  • Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour Small-Group Half Day: $84
  • North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor: $86
  • Private Luxury Car Tour in San Francisco Hotel Kabuki: $99
  • Small Group | 1 Day Tour Through Monterey From San Francisco: $205
  • "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
  • 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
  • 3HR Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: $229
  • 90 Minute Daytime Tour Aboard Wine Therapy: $85

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $17
  • San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
  • Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $44
  • Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • Local Distillery Cocktail Class: $49
  • Local Distillery Cocktail Class: Skyline Views and City History: $69
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
  • Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
  • 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or San Francisco?

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