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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Providence are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Providence is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Providence to go shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Providence is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Providence. 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.


Is Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Both Myrtle Beach and Providence are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Providence Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Myrtle Beach and Providence are high quality places to visit for students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Providence is a great beach 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.

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

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Providence is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.


Is Myrtle Beach or Providence a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

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

Families should spend more time in Providence than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

With nightlife around the busy beach city of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 food and shopping that this active city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

With nightlife around the destination of Myrtle Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Myrtle Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Providence is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

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
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • 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: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

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

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

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.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

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

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Providence, RI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Downtown Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Providence, RI: $15
  • Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour: $26
  • Providence Ghosts Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Providence

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

  • Vineyard Voyages - Floating Wine Tasting: $65


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

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


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Providence in the Summer?

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

Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 283 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 Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Providence in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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 January, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach this time of year.

Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, 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 Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Providence. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)