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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Providence?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Providence

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

Kennebunkport and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
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 Kennebunkport or Providence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Providence and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Kennebunkport different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kennebunkport
Providence

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

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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 Kennebunkport or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport
Providence

Both Kennebunkport and Providence offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Providence

The vibe at night is notable in both Kennebunkport and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Kennebunkport has a few options to choose from. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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 Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Providence

Kennebunkport is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Kennebunkport to choose from. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Providence

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

Kennebunkport offers some nice hiking trails. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Providence?

Kennebunkport
Providence

Kennebunkport is a great 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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

Is Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Providence

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Providence

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

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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 Kennebunkport or Providence Better for Students?

Kennebunkport
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Kennebunkport
Providence

Providence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.


Is Kennebunkport or Providence a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Providence

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

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

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Providence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kennebunkport or Providence?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Providence. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Providence?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Kennebunkport or Providence?

Kennebunkport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Providence?

Kennebunkport 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Providence. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


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 Kennebunkport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $220, 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 Kennebunkport and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport


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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    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
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • 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 Kennebunkport or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
    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.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45

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: $13
  • 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
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Providence $13


When comparing the travel costs between Kennebunkport and Providence, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally cooler than Providence. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°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 Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Providence. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Kennebunkport during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Kennebunkport is cooler than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kennebunkport often gets less sunshine than Providence. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Providence. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Kennebunkport in the winter. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally cooler than Providence. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°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 Kennebunkport this time of the year. In the spring, Kennebunkport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)