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

Should you visit Tulum or Greenville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Greenville can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Tulum travel costs.

Greenville

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

Tulum and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Greenville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Tulum different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum 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, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Tulum is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Greenville is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Greenville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Greenville Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great town for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Greenville?

Tulum is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Greenville More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Greenville Better for Families?

Tulum is a great 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 Tulum. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Greenville Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Greenville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville is not known for its public transit.

While Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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

Is Tulum or Greenville a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tulum or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tulum than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Greenville?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active town of Tulum, 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.

In Greenville, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this hospitable destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Greenville?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Greenville?

Tulum, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greenville is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Greenville. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Greenville?

Tulum 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the southern destination of Greenville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Greenville?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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.