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

Should you visit Cancun 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 Cancun and Greenville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Greenville travel costs.

Cancun and Greenville: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cancun or Greenville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Greenville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.



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How is Cancun different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun is a great 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 Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cancun is becoming an appealing option for foodies. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

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 Cancun or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun 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 Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Greenville

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Cancun or Greenville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Greenville

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Greenville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Greenville

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

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Greenville

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Greenville?

Cancun
Greenville

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cancun and Greenville.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Greenville to go 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 Cancun or Greenville More Beautiful?

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Greenville Better for Families?

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun 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.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Greenville Better for Couples?

Cancun
Greenville

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

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Greenville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Greenville

Cancun is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Cancun
Greenville

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

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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


Is Cancun or Greenville a more walkable city?

Cancun
Greenville

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

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cancun or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cancun than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cancun or Greenville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Greenville 1-2

One day in Cancun or Greenville?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Greenville. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cancun or Greenville?

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

Greenville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Cancun or Greenville?

Cancun, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Greenville. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Greenville?

Cancun 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 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 shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Greenville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Cancun?

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

  • Cancun Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Greenville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cancun $167
    Greenville $185

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $167, while the average daily cost in Greenville is $185. 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 Cancun and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $96
    Greenville $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $192
    Greenville $126
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Cancun 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 Cancun


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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $18
    Greenville $158
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

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


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.66
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $14
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $17
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $2.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • Private Transfer Cancun Airport to Chiquilá Holbox Ferry: $285
  • Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
  • Private Transfer roundtrip (Cancun Airport-Akumal): $259
  • Cancun VIP Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Zone: $259
  • Cozumel: El Cielo & KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park with Transfer: $246
  • Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum: $241
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $233
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Private Round Trip Transfer (Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen): $219
  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $211

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: $172
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Cancun 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
    Cancun $49
    Greenville $37
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

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

  • Street Food Tour in  Cancun with a Local Guide: $62
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Salsa Streets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
  • Tortilla Trails Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
  • 4h Cooking Class in Cancun with 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $75
  • Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
  • Couples Special Price! Cancun Pirate Show with Dinner & Drinks: $80
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
  • Couples Special Pirate Show & Dinner! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $82

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Greenville

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

  • The Greenville Sampler, a 2 Hour Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $35
    Greenville $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.59
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $100

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day ATV, Horse Ride, Ziplines and Cenote Adventure from Cancun: $40
  • 1 Day Tour to Bacalar, Cenotes and 7 color Lagoon with lunch from Cancun: $125
  • 1-Day Tour to Bacalar with Kayaking, Marmol Beach Club and Cenote: $119
  • 1-hour Clear Boat Tour in Nichupte Lagoon from Cancun: $23
  • 2 Day Deluxe Tour Tulum and Chichén Itzá: $120
  • 2-day tour: Isla Mujeres catamaran and Chichen Itzá: $121
  • 20 minutes Jet Pack flight experience in Cancun!: $119
  • 2x1 Tulum tour and Chichen Itza tour for 1 price in 2 days: $139
  • 3 Hidden Cenotes Experience & Puerto Morelos Reef Snorkeling: $89
  • 3 adrenaline activities Atvs Zipline and a swim experience in a cenote: $60
  • 3 in 1 Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun: $69
  • 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village Riviera Maya: $139

Tours and Activities in Greenville

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

  • 2 Hour Holiday Lights and Cheer Driving Tour: $80
  • Epic Royalty Themed Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Greenville: $10
  • Greenville Bites and Sights Lunch Tour: $98
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • Greenville Haunted Bar Tour: $28
  • Guided E-Bike Tour in Greenville South Carolina with Brunch: $105
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $95
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Greenville SC: $15
  • Paranormal Walking Tour by Greenville Ghost Tours: $28
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105
  • Private Greenville Driving Tour: $50
  • Saturday Evening Craft Cocktail Tour: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $13
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

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

  • A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $88
  • Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Greenville, we can see that Greenville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Greenville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cancun or Greenville?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.