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

Should you visit Bangor or Providence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Providence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bangor and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Bangor or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Providence. Although Bangor and Providence are popular destinations, Providence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Providence is very popular for its food and nightlife, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also well known for WaterFire.

How is Bangor different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor
Providence

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bangor or Providence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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 Bangor or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Bangor or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Providence?

Bangor
Providence

Both Bangor and Providence are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Bangor to go shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Bangor or Providence Better for Families?

Bangor
Providence

Both Bangor and Providence are nice to visit with kids.

Bangor is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Providence is a family-friendly town. 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 Bangor or Providence Better for Couples?

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

Is Bangor or Providence Better for Students?

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

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.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Bangor or Providence a more walkable city?

Bangor
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangor and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Providence than in Bangor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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


  • How many days in Bangor or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Bangor or Providence?

With museums and food around the welcoming town of Bangor, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangor, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Bangor or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Bangor, 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 town.

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 Bangor or Providence?

Bangor, a popular town, 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 Bangor or Providence?

Bangor 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 The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Bangor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $197, 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 Bangor and Providence in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Bangor 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 Bangor


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Bangor 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
    Bangor $54
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

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
    Bangor $23
    Providence $13


When comparing the travel costs between Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor 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 Bangor 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 Bangor or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Providence. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bangor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.

Bangor is cooler than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bangor is cooler than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In October, Bangor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Bangor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bangor in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can be very cold during winter. Bangor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bangor is generally much colder than Providence. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Bangor usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bangor or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Providence. Most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm during these months.

Bangor is much colder than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Bangor usually receives less rain than Providence. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Bangor

Bangor Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)