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

Should you visit Pensacola or Greenville?

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 Pensacola and Greenville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pensacola travel costs.

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Greenville travel costs.

Pensacola and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Greenville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Greenville are roughly the same size, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Pensacola different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola
Greenville

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Pensacola and Greenville.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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.


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

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Greenville

Evening events are good in both Pensacola and Greenville.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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.

Is Pensacola or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Pensacola or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Greenville?

Pensacola
Greenville

Both Pensacola and Greenville are good shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

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.


Is Pensacola or Greenville Better for Families?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is a great beach 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 Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will 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 Pensacola or Greenville Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola is a great beach town for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Pensacola is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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

Pensacola
Greenville

Greenville is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.


Is Pensacola or Greenville a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Greenville

Pensacola and Greenville both are decent when exploring on foot.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable beach town. 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 Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pensacola or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pensacola than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

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


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

One day in Pensacola or Greenville?

With museums and nightlife around the entertaining beach town of Pensacola, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

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.

A weekend in Pensacola or Greenville?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pensacola, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hospitable 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.


Five days in Pensacola or Greenville?

Pensacola, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Pensacola or Greenville?

Pensacola is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Pensacola?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Greenville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Greenville $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, while the average daily cost in Greenville is $0.00. 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 Pensacola and Greenville in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Greenville? 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 Pensacola


Hotels in Greenville


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Greenville $158
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Greenville $37
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

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


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

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.
    Pensacola $13
    Greenville $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

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


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45


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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Greenville?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Greenville, 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.