A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Providence for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Providence

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

Martha's Vineyard and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Martha's Vineyard and Providence are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Providence and is known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Providence can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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 Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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


Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Both Martha's Vineyard and Providence are nice family-friendly destinations.

Martha's Vineyard offers lots of family activities. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Students?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Providence is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard 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 generally limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Providence a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Providence

Providence is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

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

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Martha's Vineyard, one day is sufficent for most.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Providence, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.


A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Even though Martha's Vineyard 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 island.

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Providence, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Martha's Vineyard, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 friendly destination of Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $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.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Sunset Sail Shared Tour: $140

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
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Providence $13


When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Providence, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Martha's Vineyard because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 73°F (23°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 Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Martha's Vineyard during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in October average around 53°F (12°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 Martha's Vineyard. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Providence. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Martha's Vineyard. In January, Martha's Vineyard is generally around the same temperature as Providence. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 28°F (-2°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 48°F (9°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 Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Providence. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


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