A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Cod vs. Providence for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Providence

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

Cape Cod and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Providence are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Providence and is known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Cape Cod different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Providence?

Cape Cod
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cape Cod or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Cod
Providence

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Cod and Providence can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Providence Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Providence Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Providence Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Cod or Providence?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a great beach destination 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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


Is Cape Cod or Providence Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a great beach destination 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 Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Providence Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Providence

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod or Providence Better for Students?

Cape Cod
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.


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

Cape Cod
Providence

Providence is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Cape Cod or Providence a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Providence

Providence is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Cod and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Providence. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Cape Cod or Providence?

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Cape Cod or Providence?

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cape Cod or Providence?

Cape Cod, a popular beach destination, 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 beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cape Cod or Providence?

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Providence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Cape Cod?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $183, while the average daily cost in Providence is $191. 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 Cape Cod and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Cod $92
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Cod $184
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod


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: Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Cod $50
    Providence $46

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: $271
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60
    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.
    Cape Cod $27
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65

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
  • Cocktail Cruises with Rhode Island Spirits: $50
  • 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: $38
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Cod $19
    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: $58


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



When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Providence in the Summer?

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

Cape Cod is cooler than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°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 Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Providence. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Cape Cod during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Cod often gets less sunshine than Providence. Cape Cod gets 194 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 Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Providence. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Cape Cod usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Providence. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cape Cod is cooler than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°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 Cape Cod this time of the year. In the spring, Cape Cod often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Providence. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cape Cod

Cape Cod Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)