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

Should you visit Austin or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Providence. Austin is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Austin different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin 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 Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Providence Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Providence Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Providence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Austin or Providence Better for Families?

Austin and Providence are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

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.

Is Austin or Providence Better for Couples?

Austin and Providence are both notable to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Providence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Austin or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Providence Better for Students?

Austin and Providence are great places to visit for students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Providence is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Austin or Providence a more walkable city?

Providence is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Austin?

How long in Austin or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Providence. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Providence. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Providence?

With live music and food around the lively city of Austin, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Providence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, 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.

Providence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Providence?

Austin, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Providence?

Austin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Providence?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Providence. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Providence. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Providence. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

Austin is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Austin 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 the winter, Austin is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Providence during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Providence and Austin