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

Should you visit Greenville or Boston?

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 Greenville and Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

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

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Greenville and Boston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Freedom Trail


Is there more to do in Greenville or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boston than Greenville. Boston is bigger than Greenville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Boston is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greenville
Boston

Boston is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Theater?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Greenville is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Greenville is not a theatre destination.

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

Greenville
Boston

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

Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Boston

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

The nightlife in Boston has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Music?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is very good for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Greenville is not a live music destination.

Is Greenville or Boston Better for Beaches?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Greenville is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is Greenville or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Greenville does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Greenville does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Boston?

Greenville
Boston

If you're looking to go shopping, Greenville and Boston both offer plenty of notable spots.

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Greenville or Boston Better for Christmas?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Greenville does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Greenville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Greenville or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Greenville does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Greenville does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Greenville or Boston Better for Families?

Greenville
Boston

Boston 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.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Couples?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is very good for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

Boston is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Greenville is not known for backpackers.

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Greenville or Boston Better for Students?

Greenville
Boston

Boston is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Greenville is not known for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Greenville is a decent spot for students. Furman University has a pretty campus and is a nice place to visit.

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

Greenville
Boston

Boston is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Greenville is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Boston can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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

Is Greenville or Boston a more walkable city?

Greenville
Boston

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

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Boston?

In either Greenville or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Greenville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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


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

One day in Greenville or Boston?

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

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greenville or Boston?

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.

When visiting Boston, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Greenville or Boston?

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.

Boston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Greenville or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern 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.

Boston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Boston or Greenville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greenville is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 Greenville and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Boston? 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 Greenville


Hotels in Boston


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 and Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Boston $37

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $959
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $684
  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $243
  • Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $170
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $168
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Limo Private Transfer Boston to Logan International Airport : $160
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
  • Private Transfer between Boston Logan Airport and Boston City: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Greenville 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
    Greenville $21
    Boston $49
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 Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
  • Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
  • Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $79
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Greenville $25
    Boston $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
  • 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $48
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $423
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $216

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Boston $27

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Boston?

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