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

Should you visit Boca Raton or Providence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Providence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Providence

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

Boca Raton and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Providence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Providence. While Providence is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is more touristy than Providence and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Boca Raton different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Providence?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a great coastal 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 Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Providence

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Providence both to be excellent destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Providence

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

The nightlife in Boca Raton has something for everybody. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Providence Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Boca Raton or Providence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Providence Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Providence Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Providence?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a great coastal 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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

Is Boca Raton or Providence Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a great coastal 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

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 Boca Raton or Providence Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Providence Better for Students?

Boca Raton
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

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

Boca Raton
Providence

Boca Raton and Providence both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Providence a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Providence

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

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Providence. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Boca Raton or Providence?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the posh coastal city of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the fascinating city of Providence, 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Providence?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Boca Raton, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, 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.

Five days in Boca Raton or Providence?

Boca Raton, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence, 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.


A week in Boca Raton or Providence?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Boca Raton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

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

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40

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: $272
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $67
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

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

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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.
    Boca Raton $28
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

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

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

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
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $36
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

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

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Providence, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Providence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Providence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Providence 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Providence.

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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Providence?

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

Both Providence and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Providence. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Boca Raton or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°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 Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Providence. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Providence. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Providence. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°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 Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Providence. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Providence. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)