A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Providence for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Providence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Providence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Providence

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

Cocoa Beach and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Providence are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Providence and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town 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 Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Both Cocoa Beach and Providence offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Is Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Providence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

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

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Providence.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Cocoa Beach or Providence Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

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

Many students visit Providence. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Providence.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.


Is Cocoa Beach or Providence a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Providence. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 friendly 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 Cocoa Beach or Providence?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating 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 Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Cocoa Beach, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. 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 Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Cocoa Beach 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, 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 Cocoa Beach and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

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: $92
  • 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: $170
  • 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: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
  • Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65

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
  • 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: $36
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39

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: $65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Providence. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

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

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Providence. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Providence. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Providence. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)