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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Providence?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative 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 food.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Providence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Minneapolis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Providence is known for its food. Minneapolis is more touristy than Providence and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Minneapolis different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis
Providence

Minneapolis is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Providence has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Minneapolis or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Providence

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis has something for everybody. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Providence?

Minneapolis
Providence

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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


Is Minneapolis or Providence Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Providence

Minneapolis is a great 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 Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Providence Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Providence

Minneapolis and Providence are both good to visit as a couple.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Minneapolis or Providence Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Providence

Both Minneapolis and Providence are great destinations for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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.


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

Minneapolis
Providence

Visitors will find good public transit in both Minneapolis and Providence.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Is Minneapolis or Providence a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Providence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Minneapolis or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Minneapolis 2-4 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Minneapolis or Providence?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Providence. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Minneapolis or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Minneapolis, 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 shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Providence?

Minneapolis, 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.

The active city of Providence offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Providence?

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Minneapolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis


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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $172
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $62
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

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.
    Minneapolis $27
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $699
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99

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
    Minneapolis $24
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Providence?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Providence. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Providence during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Providence. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Providence. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Providence. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets less sunshine than Providence. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Minneapolis 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. Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Minneapolis usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Providence. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Minneapolis during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Providence. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)