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

Should you visit Greenville or Whistler?

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

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Greenville travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Whistler travel costs.

Greenville and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Greenville or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Greenville is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greenville or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Greenville is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is among the world's best ski destinations. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Greenville is not a skiing destination.


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

Greenville
Whistler

Greenville is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Greenville
Whistler

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

Whistler has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Whistler

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

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is a great village for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Whistler. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Greenville is not a resort destination.

Is Greenville or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Whistler

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

Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Whistler?

Greenville
Whistler

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

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.


Is Greenville or Whistler More Beautiful?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is a great village for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Greenville or Whistler Better for Families?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler 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.

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Whistler Better for Couples?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is a great village for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Whistler is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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 Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is a great village for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Greenville
Whistler

Greenville and Whistler both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Greenville or Whistler a more walkable city?

Greenville
Whistler

Whistler is a great village for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy 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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Whistler?

In either Greenville or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler 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 Whistler.

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

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

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


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

One day in Greenville or Whistler?

The city of Greenville offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy village of Whistler, there's plenty to do. 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 Whistler?

Greenville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greenville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Whistler?

Greenville is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler, a popular village, 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 village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Greenville or Whistler?

Greenville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Whistler 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 Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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
    Whistler Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Greenville $0.00
    Whistler $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Whistler? 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 Whistler


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 Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Whistler $20

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 Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
  • Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler 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
    Whistler $52
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 Whistler

Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:


  • Coffee at Starbucks
    $12
  • Tim Hortons Breakfast
    $12
  • Coffee at Timmy's
    $3.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler

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

  • Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
  • Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Whistler $78

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 Whistler

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:


  • Driving Range
    $15

Tours and Activities in Whistler

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $124
  • 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Bear Safari 4x4 Adventure: $147
  • Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $162
  • Family Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $199
  • From Vancouver: Shannon Falls and Whistler Sightseeing Tour: $179
  • Full Day Ice Fishing Tour: $246
  • Guided Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
  • Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
  • Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Whistler $8.72


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Whistler?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Whistler, 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.