A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Providence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Providence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Providence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Alexandria travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Alexandria and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Providence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Providence. While Providence is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is more touristy than Providence and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Alexandria different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Providence?

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Alexandria or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Providence

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Providence can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Alexandria or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Providence

The vibe at night is nice in both Alexandria and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Alexandria or Providence Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Providence

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

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Providence does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Providence?

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Alexandria or Providence More Beautiful?

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Alexandria or Providence Better for Families?

Alexandria
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Providence offers lots of family activities. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Alexandria or Providence Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Providence

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

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 Alexandria or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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 Alexandria or Providence Better for Students?

Alexandria
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

Many students visit Providence. 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.

Alexandria is not popular with students.


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

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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

Is Alexandria or Providence a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Providence

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Providence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Alexandria or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Alexandria or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Alexandria, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Providence, 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 Alexandria or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, 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 Alexandria or Providence?

Alexandria, 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.

Providence, 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 Alexandria or Providence?

Alexandria 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.

Providence 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Alexandria $0.00
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Providence is $245. 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 Alexandria and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $273
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Providence $82

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.
    Alexandria -
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Amazing Alexandria Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power & Politics | Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Prohibition in A Drinking History Tour: $100
  • Prohibition in A Drinking History Tour: $100
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $20
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Providence, 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.


When is the best time to visit Alexandria or Providence?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alexandria or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Providence. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Alexandria is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Providence. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 35°F (1°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Providence. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Alexandria is a little warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Alexandria

Alexandria Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)