Should you visit Detroit or Providence?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Providence, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Detroit
Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Providence or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $107, while the average daily cost in Providence is $168. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Detroit and Providence in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Detroit can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $51, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $102.
For a normal double-occupancy room in Providence, $182 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Providence, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $91, such as in a hostel.
Food
In Detroit travelers spend around $36 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
In Providence travelers spend around $38 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Detroit $36
Providence $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home:
$94
-
Detroit Revival Food Tours:
$139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence
For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Downcity Providence Food Tour:
$74
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Detroit than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $30 on transportation in Detroit on average per day.
Providence's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $37 per person, per day on transportation in Providence.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW):
$622
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$212
-
Private Transfer From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Detroit City: One Way Arrival Transfer:
$149
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Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport:
$122
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Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City:
$122
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Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer:
$106
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Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer:
$106
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Transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit:
$100
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Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer:
$80
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Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW:
$43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence
Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Providence to T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) - Departure Private Transfer:
$72
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Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer:
$180
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Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD:
$36
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Private Chauffeur Transfer: Providence Hotels to Providence Airport (PVD):
$107
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Private Arrival Transfer: Providence Airport (PVD) to Providence Hotels:
$133
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Private Arrival Transfer from Providence TF Green Airport PVD:
$36
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New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer:
$467
Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Providence?
Prices for flights to both Providence and Detroit 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Detroit, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $17 per day, per person.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Providence can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $21 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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2020 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour:
$18
-
90 minute Segway Experience:
$64
-
Detroit Beer History Walking Tour:
$39
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Detroit Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$30
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Detroit Walking Tour Including Rides on the People Mover:
$29
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Corktown is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour:
$29
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Downtown Detroit Walking Tour with a Local:
$29
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Foods and Flavors of Detroit Private Tour:
$130
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Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Entry & Guided Tour:
$15
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The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour:
$29
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Pre Mother's Day Detroit Shopping Tour:
$49
Tours and Activities in Providence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.
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Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal:
$57
-
Haunted Boat Tours:
$39
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Narrated Boat Tours:
$30
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Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure:
$12
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Twilight River Cruises:
$45
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Ultimate Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour:
$7.00
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Detroit spend on average $16 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Providence, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $11.
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.
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