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

Should you visit Atlanta or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Providence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

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

Atlanta and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Atlanta or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlanta than Providence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Atlanta is more touristy than Providence and is known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Atlanta different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta
Providence

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta
Providence

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Providence.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta
Providence

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

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Providence?

Atlanta
Providence

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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


Is Atlanta or Providence Better for Families?

Atlanta
Providence

Atlanta is a great city 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 Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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 Atlanta or Providence Better for Couples?

Atlanta
Providence

Atlanta and Providence are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

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 Atlanta or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta
Providence

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Providence Better for Students?

Atlanta
Providence

For students, both Atlanta and Providence are great places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Atlanta
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Providence a more walkable city?

Atlanta
Providence

Providence is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Providence?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Atlanta or Providence?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Providence?

When visiting Atlanta, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Providence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Providence?

Atlanta, 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.

Providence is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Atlanta or Providence?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Atlanta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, 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 Atlanta and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $90
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $180
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta 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 Atlanta


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $44
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

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

  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $283
  • Departure Private Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Car: $263
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury Car: $263
  • Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $217
  • Arrival Private Transfer Hartsfield Airport ATL to Atlanta City by Minibus: $217
  • Departure Private Transfer Atlanta City to Hartsfield Airport ATL by Minibus: $213
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $197
  • Roundtrip transfer in executive private car from Atlanta Airport to Alpharetta: $144
  • Private Transfer: Atlanta to H. J. Airport ATL in Luxury SUV : $137
  • Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV: $137
  • Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in SUV/Van: $135
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $135

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: $277
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $173
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $47
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $47
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Atlanta 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
    Atlanta $43
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

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

  • 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
  • Atlanta Wood-Fired Pizza Making Class with Classpop!: $55
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
  • Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class: $70
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

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.
    Atlanta $56
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

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

  • Atlanta Heart & Soul Tour by Private Car Service: $90
  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $81
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $159
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour: $159
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $668
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Public and Street Art Tour: $159

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $58
  • Brews Cruise with Narragansett Beer: $60
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $17
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour in Atlanta: $12
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159


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

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


Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Providence?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°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 Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Providence during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Providence. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Providence. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Providence. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city.

Atlanta is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°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 Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Providence. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Providence. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Atlanta

Atlanta Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)