A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Providence for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence? 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Adirondack Mountains and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Providence are both popular with visitors, Adirondack Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adirondack Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence is known for its food. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also home to Whiteface Mountain. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a good destination for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Providence is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Adirondack Mountains and Providence.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Providence is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Providence. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Evening events are good in both Adirondack Mountains and Providence.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Adirondack Mountains to choose from. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Both Adirondack Mountains and Providence are good shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence 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 Adirondack Mountains. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Adirondack Mountains is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Adirondack Mountains is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Students?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Providence is notable for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Providence a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Providence

Providence is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Providence is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adirondack Mountains and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Providence. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Providence 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Adirondack Mountains, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Adirondack Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Providence for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Providence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The fascinating destination of Providence offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Adirondack Mountains?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $166, while the average daily cost in Providence is $210. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Providence? 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 Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Providence


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: Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $49
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

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

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $58


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adirondack Mountains and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains 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 Providence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Providence than you might in Adirondack Mountains.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adirondack Mountains is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In the summer, Adirondack Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In October, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than Providence. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 49°F (9°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. Adirondack Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Providence during autumn. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Adirondack Mountains during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Adirondack Mountains in the winter. Adirondack Mountains is much colder than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Providence. Many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in April average around 46°F (8°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Providence. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)