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

Should you visit Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Greenville and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Greenville and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Greenville is known for its museums and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Greenville different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Greenville is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Greenville is not a resort destination.


Is Greenville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Greenville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Greenville is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Greenville offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Greenville or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Greenville is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Greenville or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Greenville
Wisconsin Dells

Greenville and Wisconsin Dells are decent when it comes to walkability.

Greenville is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Greenville Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Greenville?

How long in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Greenville or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greenville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.


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

One day in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

The southern destination of Greenville offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With food and nightlife around the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Greenville is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Wisconsin Dells, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Greenville. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Wisconsin Dells 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.


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, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greenville -
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greenville $0.00
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Greenville and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Greenville or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greenville $158
    Wisconsin Dells $35

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43
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.
    Greenville $25
    Wisconsin Dells $46

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

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greenville -
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

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


Which is Bigger, Greenville or Wisconsin Dells?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Greenville and Wisconsin Dells, 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.