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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greenville

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

Cocoa Beach and Greenville: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Greenville are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Greenville is famous for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town 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 Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf 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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

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

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Greenville.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Greenville has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

Cocoa Beach is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Greenville.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

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

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples 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 Cocoa Beach or Greenville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

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

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Greenville a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Greenville

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

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Greenville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Greenville 1-2

One day in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

With museums and nightlife around the adventurous beach town of Cocoa Beach, 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the hospitable city of Greenville. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern destination of Greenville. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Cocoa Beach, 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.

The hospitable city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Cocoa Beach 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Greenville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, 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 Cocoa Beach and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    Greenville $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Greenville $25

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
  • Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65

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
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39

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 Cocoa Beach and Greenville, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Greenville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Greenville?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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.