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

Should you visit Greenville or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Greenville and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • 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
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • 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


Is there more to do in Greenville or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Greenville. Vancouver is bigger than Greenville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver 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, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Vancouver has something for everybody. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Vancouver

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

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Vancouver?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver 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 Vancouver specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greenville or Vancouver Better for Families?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is a great city 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 Vancouver. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Vancouver

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Greenville
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is very popular with students. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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


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

Greenville
Vancouver

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

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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

Is Greenville or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Greenville
Vancouver

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Vancouver?

In either Greenville or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Greenville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Greenville or Vancouver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greenville 1-2 
    Vancouver 3-5

One day in Greenville or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Greenville. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greenville has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Greenville. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the southern city of Greenville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greenville or Vancouver?

Greenville is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Vancouver 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver 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
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Vancouver $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver


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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Vancouver $15

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 Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
  • Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $600
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $591
  • Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $560
  • Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $538
  • Private Transfer to Whistler: $462
  • Vancouver International Airport to Whistler Private Transfer: $459
  • YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
  • Airport Transfer Service To Burnaby: $407
  • Private Transfer, Vancouver, BC to Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal, VIP SUV : $300
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $297
  • Vancouver Airport YVR Round-Trip Private Transfer by Luxury SUV: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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
    Vancouver $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 Vancouver

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


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
  • Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Vancouver $36

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 Vancouver

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

  • 2 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $147
  • Cruise Ship Terminal to Vancouver Airport Private Transport: $150
  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $218
  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $129
  • Spirit Of Vancouver Bike or Ebike Tour: $100
  • Vancouver 1-Day city tour: $98
  • Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $190
  • Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $196
  • 1 day Whistler Tour from Vancouver Experience (chn&eng): $88
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $132
  • 3 Days of Adventure in Vancouver – Activities-Only Tour: $1,650
  • 3 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Vancouver, 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.