A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Greenville for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a idyllic, wild, and adventurous city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Greenville

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

Cabo San Lucas 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Cabo San Lucas is famous for Land's End. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Both Cabo San Lucas and Greenville have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Greenville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

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

Cabo San Lucas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cabo San Lucas. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Greenville does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Greenville does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for hiking. However, Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas for the hiking trails. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great 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 Cabo San Lucas. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cabo San Lucas has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Greenville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

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

While Cabo San Lucas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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


Is Cabo San Lucas or Greenville a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Greenville

Cabo San Lucas is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.


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

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic city of Cabo San Lucas, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cabo San Lucas, 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 nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Greenville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Cabo San Lucas, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Greenville. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Cabo San Lucas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $116, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $53
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $106
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $23
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Los Cabos: Whale Shark Swim Private Tour with Transfers: $584
  • Los Cabos: Private Tour with Roundtrip Transfers: $584
  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD): Transfer to Cabo San Lucas Port: $452
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Airport to Pacific Side: $300
  • Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $300
  • Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to the Pacifica Area: $293
  • Los Cabos Luxury Private Tesla Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas Area: $261
  • Private Transfer from Accommodation to Restaurant in Los Cabos: $250
  • Private All Inclusive Cabo San Lucas Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz: $249
  • Round trip Private Transfer from Airport to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • Pacific: Transfer from Hotel Zone to Animas Bajas: $228

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: $38
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $42
    Greenville $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Sunset Boat Tour Includes Open Bar and Dinner: $71
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Open Bar: $75
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Domestic Open Bar: $75
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $77
  • Sea to Table Fisherman's Seafood Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tequila & tacos: $85
  • Sunset Dinner: $85
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $86
  • Sunset Tour of Everything Cabo! Includes dinner and open bar!: $89
  • Catch of the day dinner in your private villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $90
  • Private Mexican Cooking Class in Your Cabo San Lucas Villa or Condo: $90
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90

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.
    Cabo San Lucas $36
    Greenville $25

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Art and Wine Evening City tour in San Jose del Cabo for Adults: $119
  • Camel Ride, UTV, and The Arch Tour with Lunch & Tequila Tasting!: $249
  • Glass Bottom Boat Sightseeing Tour in Cabo San Lucas: $23
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $25
  • Magical Todos Santos Tour, Camel ranch, Lunch & Tequila: $119
  • Margaritas Beach UTV Adventure: $99
  • Margaritas Beach and Desert ATV Tour: $80
  • OffRoad 4X4 UTV Adventure with Lunch & Tequila : $199
  • Romantic tour in Cabo San Lucas: $186
  • Traditional Tequila Tasting Experience with Jorge Cuervo: $48
  • #1 Snorkeling Tour in Catamaran. Open bar & Snacks included: $80
  • "Exclusive Cabo San Lucas Trimaran Experience with Snorkeling": $180

Tours and Activities in Greenville

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

  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Greenvile SC: $15
  • Goofy Greenville Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Paranormal Walking Tour in Greenville : $35
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $72
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $72
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Haunted Segway Tour: $76
  • Thirsty Thursdays Tour (cocktails and appetizers): $89
  • Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour: $95
  • Guided E-Bike Tour in Greenville South Carolina with Brunch: $105
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $24
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Cabo Bar Crawl - The BEST Bar and Clubs in Cabo : $60
  • Los Cabos: Bar Crawl: $82
  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $190

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: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Greenville?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.