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

Should you visit Detroit or Providence?

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

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

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Providence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Detroit is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Providence is known for its food. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Detroit different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Providence.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. 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 Detroit or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Providence has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Detroit or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Detroit 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 Detroit has something for everybody. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Providence Better for Music?

Detroit is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

Detroit has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Providence?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Detroit and Providence.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Providence to go shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Detroit or Providence Better for Families?

Detroit and Providence are both good destinations for the whole family.

Detroit is a family-friendly city. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

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 Detroit or Providence Better for Couples?

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

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Providence Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Providence a more walkable city?

Providence is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Providence?

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

Families should spend more time in Providence than Detroit. 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 Detroit. 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 Detroit 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.

One day in Detroit or Providence?

With live music and food around the hardworking city of Detroit, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Detroit, one day is sufficent for most.

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Detroit, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Providence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Providence?

Detroit, 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Providence?

Detroit is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Providence?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Providence in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Detroit is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Providence during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives more rain than Providence. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Providence. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. In the autumn, Detroit often gets less sunshine than Providence. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Detroit 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. Detroit can be very cold during winter. Detroit is much colder than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Detroit usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Providence. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Detroit is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Providence and Detroit