Which city is cheaper, Providence or Bar Harbor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Providence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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.
Where Should I go: Bar Harbor or Providence?
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.
Providence
Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBar Harbor $161Providence $168
The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $161, while the average daily cost in Providence is $168. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bar Harbor and Providence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBar Harbor $94Providence $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBar Harbor $188Providence $182
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Providence
Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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.
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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bar Harbor $28Providence $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence
Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
- Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
- Providence to T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Private Chauffeur Transfer: Providence Hotels to Providence Airport (PVD): $107
- Private Arrival Transfer: Providence Airport (PVD) to Providence Hotels: $133
- Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $180
- New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $467
Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Providence?
Prices for flights to both Providence and Bar Harbor 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
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Food Meals for one dayBar Harbor $45Providence $38
Typical Food prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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West Street Cafe (for 4)$70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence
For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Rhode Island Guided Food Tour: $65
- Downcity Providence Food Tour: $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bar Harbor $31Providence $21
Typical Entertainment prices in Bar Harbor
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:
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Acadia National Park Entrance Fee$25
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Sunset Cruise (for 4)$96
Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:
- 2-Hour Tall Ship Cruise from Bar Harbor: $76
- 3 Hour: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TOUR Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach & Thunder Hole: $590
- Acadia National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $2.50
- Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $8.00
- Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours): $65
- Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour: $109
Tours and Activities in Providence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.
- Ultimate Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $7.00
- Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
- Narrated Boat Tours: $30
- Haunted Boat Tours: $39
- Twilight River Cruises: $45
- Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBar Harbor $24Providence $11
When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor 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.
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Providence in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Providence. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.
In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Providence. Temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Providence stays around 73°F (23°C).
Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBar Harbor 69°F (21°C)Providence 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Providence in the Autumn?
Both Providence and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Bar Harbor is cooler than Providence in the autumn. The temperature in Bar Harbor is usually 48°F (9°C) in October, and Providence stays around 53°F (12°C).
In October, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBar Harbor 48°F (9°C)Providence 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Providence in the Winter?
Both Providence and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Providence can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January are around 18°F (-8°C), and Providence is about 28°F (-2°C).
Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)Providence 28°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Bar Harbor or Providence in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Providence. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Providence. Temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Providence stays around 48°F (9°C).
In April, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Providence. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBar Harbor 43°F (6°C)Providence 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Providence and Bar Harbor
| Bar Harbor | 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) |
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