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

Should you visit Islamorada or Providence?

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

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Providence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is more touristy than Providence and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Islamorada different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada
Providence

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Islamorada or Providence.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Islamorada or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Providence

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Islamorada and Providence.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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.

Is Islamorada or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Providence

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Islamorada and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada or Providence Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Providence

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

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Islamorada or Providence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Providence

Islamorada is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Providence Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Providence

Islamorada is a great village for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Islamorada for it's beautiful beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Providence?

Islamorada
Providence

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Providence offers some nice shopping areas. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Islamorada or Providence Better for Families?

Islamorada
Providence

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Islamorada is very family-friendly. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Providence Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Providence

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Islamorada is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Providence Better for Students?

Islamorada
Providence

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not popular with students.


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

Islamorada
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known 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 limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Providence a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Providence

Providence is a great city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Providence. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Islamorada or Providence?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the fascinating 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 Islamorada or Providence?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Islamorada or Providence?

Islamorada, a popular village, 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 village. 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 Islamorada or Providence?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Islamorada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, 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 Islamorada and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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 Islamorada


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    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: $272
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47
    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.
    Islamorada $19
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90

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
  • 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: $36
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Providence during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Providence. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Islamorada or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

Islamorada is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Providence. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Providence. Most visitors come to Islamorada 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. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Providence. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Providence. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Islamorada

Islamorada Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)