A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Greenville for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Duck or Greenville?

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

Should I visit Duck or Greenville? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Greenville

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

Duck and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Greenville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Greenville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Greenville is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Duck different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Greenville

Greenville is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Duck or Greenville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Greenville

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

Duck is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Greenville

Greenville is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Duck
Greenville

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Duck
Greenville

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

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Greenville Better for Hiking?

Duck
Greenville

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Greenville?

Duck
Greenville

Duck is a great beach 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Greenville Better for Families?

Duck
Greenville

Duck is a great beach 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 Duck. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Greenville Better for Couples?

Duck
Greenville

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

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Duck
Greenville

Both Duck and Greenville offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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


Is Duck or Greenville a more walkable city?

Duck
Greenville

Duck is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Greenville is not known for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Duck?

How long in Duck or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Duck or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Duck than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Duck or Greenville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Greenville 1-2

One day in Duck or Greenville?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Greenville. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Duck or Greenville?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Greenville is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Duck or Greenville?

Duck, 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the welcoming destination of Greenville. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Greenville?

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

The welcoming city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, 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 Duck and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Duck and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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: Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Greenville $21

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.
    Duck $13
    Greenville $25

Tours and Activities in Greenville

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

  • Greenville Scavenger Hunt: Greenville Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Greenville, SC: $15
  • Paranormal Walking Tour in Greenville : $32
  • 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
  • Caesars Head & Wildcat Falls Driving Tour: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    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 Duck and Greenville, we can see that Duck 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Greenville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck or Greenville?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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.