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

Should you visit Key Largo or Providence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Providence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Providence?

Both Providence and Key Largo have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Key Largo is more touristy than Providence and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Key Largo different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Providence?

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Providence Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Providence

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Key Largo or Providence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Providence

Key Largo is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Providence Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Providence

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

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Providence?

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Key Largo or Providence Better for Families?

Key Largo
Providence

Key Largo 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, Key Largo is very family-friendly. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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 Key Largo or Providence Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Providence

Both Key Largo and Providence are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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 Key Largo or Providence Better for Students?

Key Largo
Providence

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

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Key Largo is not popular with students.


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

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo 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 limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Providence a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Providence

Providence is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Providence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Key Largo. 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Key Largo or Providence?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. 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.

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 Key Largo or Providence?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating 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 Key Largo or Providence?

Key Largo, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating 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 Key Largo or Providence?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Key Largo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $212, 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 Key Largo and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo 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 Key Largo


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

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

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

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 Key Largo or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $60
    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.
    Key Largo $27
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $79
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Florida Keys Mangrove Eco Tour of Manatee Bay: $75
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $185
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78

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
    Key Largo $24
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Providence:

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $65


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


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Providence. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Providence. Key Largo gets 275 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Providence. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can be very cold during winter. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Providence. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months.

Key Largo is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, 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 Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Providence. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Key Largo

Key Largo Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)