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

Should you visit Memphis or Providence?

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

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

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Providence

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

Memphis and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Memphis or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis than Providence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Memphis is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Providence attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Memphis different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis
Providence

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Providence and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Memphis or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Providence

Providence is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Memphis or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Providence

Memphis is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Providence Better for Music?

Memphis
Providence

Memphis is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Providence?

Memphis
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

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

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Providence Better for Families?

Memphis
Providence

Memphis and Providence are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

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 Memphis or Providence Better for Couples?

Memphis
Providence

Memphis and Providence are both nice to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular 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 Memphis or Providence Better for Students?

Memphis
Providence

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Memphis
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Memphis or Providence a more walkable city?

Memphis
Providence

Providence is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Providence. In our opinion, Providence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Providence than Memphis. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Memphis or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the laid-back city of Memphis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Memphis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Providence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Providence?

Memphis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Memphis or Providence?

Memphis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Memphis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, 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 Memphis and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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 Memphis


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: Memphis Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

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: $169
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • 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 Memphis or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Memphis 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
    Memphis $43
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

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.
    Memphis $45
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Memphis

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

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $387
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

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
  • Cocktail Cruises with Rhode Island Spirits: $50
  • 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: $38
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

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

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62

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: $58


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

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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Providence?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Providence in the Summer?

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

Memphis is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°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 Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Providence during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Memphis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Memphis is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°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 Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Providence. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Providence. Most visitors come to Memphis 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. Memphis can be very cold during winter. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

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

In January, Memphis usually receives less rain than Providence. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Memphis because of the activities around the city.

Memphis is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°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 Memphis this time of the year. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Providence. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Providence. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Memphis

Memphis Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)