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

Should you visit Baltimore or Providence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

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

Baltimore and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore than Providence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is more touristy than Providence and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Baltimore different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Providence

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Providence both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Baltimore or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore 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 Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Providence?

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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


Is Baltimore or Providence Better for Families?

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Providence Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Providence

Both Baltimore and Providence are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Providence

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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 Baltimore or Providence Better for Students?

Baltimore
Providence

Providence is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore is a great city 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.

Baltimore offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Providence a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Providence

Baltimore and Providence both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Providence?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Baltimore or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Providence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 Baltimore or Providence?

Baltimore, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Baltimore or Providence?

Baltimore 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 choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Baltimore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, 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 Baltimore and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42

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: $275
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

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.
    Baltimore $18
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $88
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $15
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171


When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Providence?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Providence. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Providence. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Baltimore is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Providence. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the spring, Baltimore is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Providence. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Baltimore

Baltimore Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)