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

Should you visit Cleveland or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland 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.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cleveland than Providence. Cleveland is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cleveland is better known for its museums and music, while Providence is more popular for its food. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. Also, Cleveland is famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Cleveland different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland
Providence

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll 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 Cleveland or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cleveland
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cleveland or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Providence

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cleveland and Providence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Providence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Cleveland or Providence Better for Music?

Cleveland
Providence

Cleveland is a great city for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has a thriving music scene. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Providence?

Cleveland
Providence

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cleveland and Providence.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Providence offers some nice shopping areas. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Cleveland or Providence Better for Families?

Cleveland
Providence

Cleveland and Providence are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Providence. 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 Cleveland or Providence Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.


Is Cleveland or Providence Better for Students?

Cleveland
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

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.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Cleveland
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Cleveland or Providence a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Providence?

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

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

One day in Cleveland or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Cleveland, 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 Cleveland or Providence?

Cleveland, 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 fascinating 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 Cleveland or Providence?

Cleveland 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 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 Cleveland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $132, 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 Cleveland and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland 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 Cleveland


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $75
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

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.
    Cleveland $40
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $45
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24

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
    Cleveland $45
    Providence $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cleveland and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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 Cleveland.

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


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Providence?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Providence. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cleveland is generally around the same temperature as Providence. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Providence. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

Cleveland is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. In the autumn, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Providence. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Cleveland can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Providence. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cleveland. In the spring, Cleveland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cleveland

Cleveland Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)