A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Greenville for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Greenville?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Greenville. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Greenville

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

Boca Raton and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • 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 Boca Raton or Greenville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Greenville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Boca Raton is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Boca Raton different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Greenville?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Boca Raton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Greenville

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Greenville

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

The nightlife in Boca Raton has something for everybody. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Boca Raton. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Greenville

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

With world-famous beaches, Boca Raton is a very popular vacation destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is very good for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Greenville?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is a great coastal city 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is a great coastal 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Greenville Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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

Boca Raton
Greenville

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

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Greenville a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Greenville

Boca Raton is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boca Raton or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.


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

One day in Boca Raton or Greenville?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed coastal city of Boca Raton, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the hospitable city of Greenville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greenville, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Boca Raton or Greenville?

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

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greenville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Greenville?

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, 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 coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Greenville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Greenville?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Greenville 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40

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: $74
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $67
    Greenville $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

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

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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.
    Boca Raton $28
    Greenville $25

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

Tours and Activities in Greenville

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

  • Caesars Head & Wildcat Falls Driving Tour: $129
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $95
  • Greenville Haunted Segway Tour: $76
  • Greenville Scavenger Hunt: Greenville Adventure: $12
  • Guided E-Bike Tour in Greenville South Carolina with Brunch: $105
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $72
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Greenville, SC: $15
  • Paranormal Walking Tour in Greenville : $32
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $72
  • Thirsty Thursdays Tour (cocktails and appetizers): $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in Greenville

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

  • Spooky & Haunted Paranormal Bar Crawl Downtown Greenville: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Greenville?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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.