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

Should you visit New Orleans or Greenville?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Greenville can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Greenville

Greenville is a southern, welcoming, and hospitable city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Greenville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Greenville?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Greenville. New Orleans is bigger than Greenville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Greenville is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Greenville and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Greenville is well known for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Greenville?

New Orleans
Greenville

Greenville is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Orleans
Greenville

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New Orleans has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Greenville

New Orleans 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 New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans or Greenville Better for Music?

New Orleans
Greenville

New Orleans is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Greenville is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Greenville Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Greenville

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Greenville does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Greenville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Greenville?

New Orleans
Greenville

Greenville is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Greenville. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Greenville Better for Families?

New Orleans
Greenville

Greenville is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Greenville is a family-friendly city. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.


Is New Orleans or Greenville Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Greenville

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

New Orleans is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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 New Orleans or Greenville Better for Students?

New Orleans
Greenville

New Orleans is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Greenville is not known for students.

It's common for students to visit New Orleans. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

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

New Orleans
Greenville

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both New Orleans and Greenville.

Public transit is mostly limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

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


Is New Orleans or Greenville a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Greenville

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

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable city. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New Orleans or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New Orleans than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.


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

One day in New Orleans or Greenville?

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming 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 New Orleans or Greenville?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming 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 New Orleans or Greenville?

New Orleans, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The welcoming 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 New Orleans or Greenville?

New Orleans 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville or New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, 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 New Orleans and Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans 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 New Orleans


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Greenville $158
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

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

  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $207
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
  • New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $200
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $164
  • Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
  • Full-Day Oak Alley Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp w/Transfer: $155

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 New Orleans or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $45
    Greenville $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89

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.
    New Orleans $55
    Greenville $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

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


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

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

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
  • A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
  • Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
  • Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
  • Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
  • Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55

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
    New Orleans $60
    Greenville -

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30

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


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Greenville?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Greenville. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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.