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

Should you visit Duck or Providence?

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

Should I visit Duck or Providence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Duck and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Duck or Providence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its museums, food, and nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Duck different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Duck or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Duck
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Providence

Providence is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Providence Better for Resorts?

Duck
Providence

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Providence Better for Beaches?

Duck
Providence

Duck is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Providence Better for Hiking?

Duck
Providence

Duck is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Duck offers some nice hiking trails. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Providence?

Duck
Providence

Duck is a great beach town 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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


Is Duck or Providence Better for Families?

Duck
Providence

Duck is a great beach town 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 Duck. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Providence Better for Couples?

Duck
Providence

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

Duck is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Providence Better for Students?

Duck
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Duck is not popular with students.


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

Duck
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Duck or Providence a more walkable city?

Duck
Providence

Duck is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Duck?

How long in Duck or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Providence. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Duck 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.


  • How many days in Duck or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Duck or Providence?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Duck or Providence?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Providence?

Duck, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Providence?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The active city of Providence offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


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


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Duck?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $188, 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 Duck and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Duck and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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: Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Providence $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: $92
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Duck 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
    Duck $45
    Providence $48

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.
    Duck $13
    Providence $26

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
    Duck $45
    Providence $13

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 comparing the travel costs between Duck and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), 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 Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Duck or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Duck is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, 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 Duck. Duck usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Duck or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Providence. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Duck or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Providence. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives less rain than Providence. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Duck

Duck Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)