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

Should you visit Charlotte or Providence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

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

Charlotte and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charlotte than Providence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Charlotte is very popular for its big city activities, while Providence attracts visitors for its food. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Charlotte different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte
Providence

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Providence and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Providence

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Charlotte offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Charlotte or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Providence

The vibe at night is nice in both Charlotte and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Providence?

Charlotte
Providence

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Providence both offer plenty of nice spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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


Is Charlotte or Providence Better for Families?

Charlotte
Providence

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Providence.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

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 Charlotte or Providence Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Providence

Both Charlotte and Providence are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Providence Better for Students?

Charlotte
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Providence is very popular with students. 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.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.


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

Charlotte
Providence

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

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Providence a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Providence

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

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

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlotte and Providence. In our opinion, Providence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Providence than Charlotte. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

Families should spend more time in Providence than Charlotte. 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 Charlotte. 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Charlotte or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Charlotte or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Providence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Providence?

Charlotte, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Providence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Providence?

Charlotte 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.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

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: $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 Charlotte or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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.
    Charlotte $43
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

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
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Providence?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°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 Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Providence. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Charlotte is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°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 Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Providence. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

Charlotte is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Providence. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Charlotte

Charlotte Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)