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

Should you visit Miami or Providence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a high energy, glamorous, and exciting beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Miami or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Miami than Providence. Miami is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Providence is more popular for its museums. Miami is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Miami different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Miami
Providence

Providence is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Providence

Miami is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Miami, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Providence

Miami is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Miami is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Providence Better for Music?

Miami
Providence

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Providence Better for Resorts?

Miami
Providence

Miami is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Miami for its luxury resorts. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Providence Better for Beaches?

Miami
Providence

Miami is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Miami offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Providence?

Miami
Providence

Miami is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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


Is Miami or Providence Better for Families?

Miami
Providence

Miami is a great beach city 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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami or Providence Better for Couples?

Miami
Providence

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

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Providence

Miami is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.


Is Miami or Providence Better for Students?

Miami
Providence

Providence is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Providence is very popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Miami
Providence

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Miami and Providence.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Is Miami or Providence a more walkable city?

Miami
Providence

Miami and Providence both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Miami?

How long in Miami or Providence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Providence 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 Miami.


  • How many days in Miami or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Miami or Providence?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Providence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Providence?

When visiting Miami, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Providence?

Miami, a popular beach city, 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.

Providence is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Providence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Miami or Providence?

Miami 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 friendly destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, 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 Miami and Providence in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Miami 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 Miami


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Transfer to West Palm Beach: $420
  • From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
  • From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
  • From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
  • Private Airport Transfer From Miami Airport to Hotels and Home: $255
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Guided Tour with Transfer from Cruise Port to Airport: $184
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Port of Miami.: $170
  • Private transfer from Port Miami to Miami Airport or Miami Hotel: $170
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Miami to Key West Overnight Round-Trip Transfer: $160

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
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
  • Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100

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.
    Miami $31
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $52
  • Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • South Beach Walking Tour- A Journey through Food and History: $67
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
  • 1 Hour Wynwood Street Art Tour: $45
  • 1-Hour Private Miami Photoshoot Experience: $65
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $276
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
  • 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80
  • 2-Hours Private Miami Boat Tour With Champagne : $270

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Providence $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Miami Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Miami Beach Bar Crawl: Art Deco & Neon Lights with Historian: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Providence?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or Providence?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Miami or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Miami or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Providence. Most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

Miami is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Providence during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Providence. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Miami or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Providence. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Miami or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives less rain than Providence. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Miami 75°F (24°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Miami

Miami Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°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 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 79°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 83°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)