Which place is cheaper, Providence or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Providence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton 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.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Providence?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
Providence
Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Providence $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, 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 Dayton and Providence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Providence $114
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Providence
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Providence $46
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: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Providence?
Prices for flights to both Providence and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Providence $26
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Providence $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
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 Dayton and Providence, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Providence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Providence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Providence 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Providence.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Providence?
Providence has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Providence in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Providence. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Dayton is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 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 Dayton this time of the year. In the summer, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Providence 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Providence in the Autumn?
Both Providence and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Dayton is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).
It's quite sunny in Providence. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Providence during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dayton usually receives less rain than Providence. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Providence 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Providence in the Winter?
Both Providence and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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. Dayton can be very cold during winter. In January, Dayton is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Providence. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Providence 28°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Providence in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Providence.
Dayton is a little warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dayton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Providence 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Providence and Dayton
| Dayton | Providence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 33°F (0°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.