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

Should you visit Dallas or Providence?

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

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

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

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

Dallas and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dallas or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas than Providence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Dallas different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Providence

Dallas 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 Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Providence

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Dallas and Providence.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

Is Dallas or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Providence

Dallas is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dallas has something for everybody. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Providence?

Dallas
Providence

Dallas is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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


Is Dallas or Providence Better for Families?

Dallas
Providence

Dallas is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas or Providence Better for Couples?

Dallas
Providence

Dallas is a great city for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Dallas is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas or Providence Better for Students?

Dallas
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Providence is very popular with students. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.


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

Dallas
Providence

Both Dallas and Providence offer good public transit options.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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

Is Dallas or Providence a more walkable city?

Dallas
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Providence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Dallas or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Dallas or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the upscale city of Dallas, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Providence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Dallas or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dallas, 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.

Providence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Providence?

Dallas, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Providence?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $202
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $100
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

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.
    Dallas $13
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $245
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Arts District Private Walking Tour featuring Museums: $135
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

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
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

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 Dallas and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Providence?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dallas is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the summer, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Providence. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in July than Providence. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In October, Dallas is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Providence. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Dallas during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. Dallas is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Providence. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Dallas

Dallas Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)