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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Providence?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 Cincinnati or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Providence than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Providence, Providence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Providence is more popular for its food, while Cincinnati is known for its museums. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also home to WaterFire.

How is Cincinnati different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Providence

Cincinnati is a great 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 Cincinnati. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Providence

Providence is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Providence. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Providence

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Providence.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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 the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Providence?

Cincinnati
Providence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Cincinnati or Providence Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Providence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Providence.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

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 Cincinnati or Providence Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Providence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Providence

Cincinnati is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.


Is Cincinnati or Providence Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Providence

Providence is well known for students. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
Providence

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cincinnati and Providence.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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

Is Cincinnati or Providence a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Providence

Cincinnati and Providence both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Providence than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Cincinnati or Providence?

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

With museums and nightlife around the friendly 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 Cincinnati or Providence?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cincinnati, 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.

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 Cincinnati or Providence?

Cincinnati, 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.

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 Cincinnati or Providence?

Cincinnati 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 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 San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • 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: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History 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
    Cincinnati $11
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68

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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Providence?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Providence in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Providence in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Providence during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Providence. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Providence. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Additionally, 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 Cincinnati in the winter. Cincinnati is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Providence. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Providence in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cincinnati is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)