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

Should you visit Galveston 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 Galveston and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Providence

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

Galveston and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Galveston or Providence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Providence. While Providence is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Providence is known for its food. Galveston is more touristy than Providence and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. It is also home to Pleasure Pier. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Galveston different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Providence

Galveston is a great town 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 Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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 Galveston or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Providence

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Galveston or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Providence

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

The nightlife in Galveston has something for everybody. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Providence Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Providence

Galveston is a good destination for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Galveston offers a nice beach destination. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Providence is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Providence Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Providence

Galveston is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

Galveston has an old town worth visiting. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Providence?

Galveston
Providence

If you're looking to go shopping, Galveston and Providence both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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

Is Galveston or Providence Better for Families?

Galveston
Providence

Galveston is a great 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 Galveston. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston or Providence Better for Couples?

Galveston
Providence

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

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston or Providence Better for Students?

Galveston
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

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.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

Galveston
Providence

Providence is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Galveston or Providence a more walkable city?

Galveston
Providence

Providence is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Providence?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Galveston or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galveston 1-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Galveston or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the historic town of Galveston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Galveston, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galveston, 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 town.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Providence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Galveston or Providence?

Galveston, a popular town, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Galveston or Providence?

Galveston 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.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Galveston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, 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 Galveston and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $193
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $193
  • Galveston Port to George Bush Airport Private Departure Transfer: $193
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $168
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $271
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Galveston 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
    Galveston $52
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

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.
    Galveston $15
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $180
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33
  • Galveston Great Storm Talk and Tour : $35

Tours and Activities in Providence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $58
  • Brews Cruise with Narragansett Beer: $60
  • Cocktail Cruises with Rhode Island Spirits: $50
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $49
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

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

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Experience the Happy Hour Pub Crawl Tour in Galveston: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

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 comparing the travel costs between Galveston 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Galveston is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In July, Galveston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Galveston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In October, Galveston is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Galveston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Galveston is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Providence. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Providence. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

In the spring, Galveston is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Galveston

Galveston Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)