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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Providence?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Providence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Providence

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

Chattanooga and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chattanooga. Although Chattanooga and Providence are popular destinations, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its hiking, while Providence attracts visitors for its food. Chattanooga is more touristy than Providence and is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Chattanooga different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga
Providence

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chattanooga
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Chattanooga or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga
Providence

It's hard to distinguish whether Chattanooga or Providence has a better nightlife scene.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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.

Is Chattanooga or Providence Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga
Providence

Chattanooga is a great city for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Providence?

Chattanooga
Providence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Chattanooga or Providence Better for Families?

Chattanooga
Providence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Providence.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Providence offers lots of family activities. 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 Chattanooga or Providence Better for Couples?

Chattanooga
Providence

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Providence make for a nice place to visit.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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 Chattanooga or Providence Better for Students?

Chattanooga
Providence

Providence is a great destination for students. However, Chattanooga is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Chattanooga is not popular with students.

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

Chattanooga
Providence

Chattanooga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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

Is Chattanooga or Providence a more walkable city?

Chattanooga
Providence

Chattanooga and Providence both are superb when exploring on foot.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chattanooga and Providence. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Chattanooga or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chattanooga 2-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Chattanooga or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the thriving city of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Chattanooga, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Providence?

Chattanooga, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The friendly city of Providence offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Chattanooga or Providence?

Chattanooga 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Chattanooga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, 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 Chattanooga and Providence in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga


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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chattanooga $35
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

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: $275
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $59
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

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.
    Chattanooga $52
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • 2-Hour Paddleboard Adventure to Nickajack Bat Cave: $75
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chattanooga $24
    Providence $13


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


Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

Chattanooga is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Providence. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Providence. The autumn months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In the autumn, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Providence. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Providence. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Providence. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Providence. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Chattanooga is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Providence. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)