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

Should you visit Greensboro or Providence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Providence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Greensboro or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Providence than Greensboro. While Greensboro is larger than Providence, Providence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Providence is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also home to WaterFire. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Greensboro
Providence

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Greensboro and Providence.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

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 Greensboro or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Greensboro
Providence

Providence is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Providence. 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.

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Greensboro or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro
Providence

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Greensboro and Providence.

Greensboro has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. 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 the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Providence?

Greensboro
Providence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Greensboro or Providence Better for Families?

Greensboro
Providence

Both Greensboro and Providence are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Providence offers lots of family activities. 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 Greensboro or Providence Better for Couples?

Greensboro
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known 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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Providence Better for Students?

Greensboro
Providence

Providence is well known for students. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Providence. 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.

It's common for students to visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.


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

Greensboro
Providence

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

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Is Greensboro or Providence a more walkable city?

Greensboro
Providence

Providence is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known 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.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Greensboro and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Providence than in Greensboro. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Greensboro, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

Families should spend more time in Providence than Greensboro. 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 Greensboro. 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Greensboro 1-2 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Greensboro or Providence?

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

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Providence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Greensboro or Providence?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Greensboro, 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 city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, 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 city.

Five days in Greensboro or Providence?

Greensboro, 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, 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.

A week in Greensboro or Providence?

Greensboro 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 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Greensboro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Greensboro is $162, 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 Greensboro and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Greensboro $96
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Greensboro $192
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Greensboro and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Greensboro 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 Greensboro


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: Greensboro Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Greensboro $24
    Providence $46

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: $275
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Greensboro or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Greensboro 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
    Greensboro $48
    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.
    Greensboro $26
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • African American History Walking Tour: $16
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $16
  • True Crime Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Greensboro $20
    Providence $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Providence?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Greensboro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In the summer, Greensboro is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the summer, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Providence. The shopping scene are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In October, Greensboro is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Providence. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Greensboro. Greensboro is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Greensboro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Greensboro or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Greensboro is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Greensboro. Greensboro usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Providence. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Greensboro

Greensboro Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)