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

Should you visit Charleston or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Providence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a picturesque, charming, and southern coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Providence

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

Charleston and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Charleston than Providence. While Providence is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Charleston different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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 Charleston or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Charleston and Providence.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Charleston or Providence Better for Music?

Charleston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Providence Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Providence Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Providence Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Charleston offers plenty to see. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Providence?

Charleston is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Charleston specifically to go shopping. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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

Is Charleston or Providence Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a great coastal town for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is a very popular destination during Christmas. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Providence Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Providence does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Charleston. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Providence does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Providence Better for Families?

Charleston and Providence are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Providence is a family-friendly coastal 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 Charleston or Providence Better for Couples?

Charleston is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Charleston is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Providence Better for Students?

Providence is notable for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Providence is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

Providence is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal 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 Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Is Charleston or Providence a more walkable city?

Charleston and Providence both are great when exploring on foot.

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Providence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Charleston or Providence?

With live music and food around the charming coastal town of Charleston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the active 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 Charleston or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Charleston, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

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 Charleston or Providence?

Charleston, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. 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 Charleston or Providence?

Charleston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Charleston is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charleston this time of the year. In the summer, Charleston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Charleston gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Charleston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Charleston is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charleston in October average around 67°F (19°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. Charleston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Charleston gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charleston usually receives less rain than Providence. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charleston or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Charleston during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. In January, Charleston is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 47°F (9°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Charleston often gets more sunshine than Providence. Charleston gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Charleston usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Providence. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Charleston is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charleston usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Charleston gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charleston usually receives less rain than Providence. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Providence and Charleston