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

Should you visit Nashville or Providence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nashville and Providence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern 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 friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nashville or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nashville than Providence. Nashville is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Providence is more popular for its food and shopping. Nashville is more touristy than Providence and is known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Nashville different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nashville
Providence

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Nashville or Providence.

Nashville is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nashville or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nashville
Providence

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Providence. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Nashville or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Nashville
Providence

Nashville 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 Nashville has something for everybody. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville or Providence Better for Music?

Nashville
Providence

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

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is Nashville or Providence Better for Resorts?

Nashville
Providence

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nashville or Providence?

Nashville
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Nashville or Providence Better for Christmas?

Nashville
Providence

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville worth visiting during the Christmas season. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Providence does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Nashville or Providence Better for Families?

Nashville
Providence

Both Nashville and Providence are notable to visit with kids.

Nashville is a family-friendly city. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

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.

Is Nashville or Providence Better for Couples?

Nashville
Providence

Both Nashville and Providence are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Providence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nashville or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nashville
Providence

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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 Nashville or Providence Better for Students?

Nashville
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

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.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Nashville
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Nashville or Providence a more walkable city?

Nashville
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Nashville?

How long in Nashville or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nashville and Providence. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


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

One day in Nashville or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the eclectic city of Nashville, 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nashville or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Providence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nashville or Providence?

Nashville, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Providence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nashville or Providence?

Nashville 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.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Nashville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nashville is $172, 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 Nashville and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nashville $99
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nashville $198
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Nashville and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Nashville 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 Nashville


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: Nashville Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nashville $21
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Private Transfer Nashville To|From International Airport : $88
  • Private Departure Transfer from Downtown Nashville to Nashville Airport (BNA): $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Nashville Airport (BNA) to Downtown Nashville: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nashville International Airport (BNA) : $50

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: $91
  • 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: $169
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Nashville or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Nashville 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
    Nashville $41
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

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.
    Nashville $27
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour: $39
  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $30
  • "Murder in Music City" Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour of Nashville: $35
  • 1 Hour Nashville Insider Photoshoot Tour in the Gulch: $79
  • 2 Hour Narrated Sightseeing Tractor Tour of Nashville: $59
  • 2-Hour Guided E-Bicycle Sightseeing Tour of Nashville: $117
  • 90-Minute Legends of Music City Guided Historical Walking Tour: $39
  • 90-Minute Monster Truck Joyride City Tour of Nashville: $53
  • Adventure Park Ziplining and Climbing in Nashville : $52
  • Adventureworks Ziplines at Nashville West: $61
  • Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44

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
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nashville $15
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Night-Time Pub Crawl in Nashville: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35

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 Nashville and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Nashville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nashville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nashville 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 Nashville.

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


Which is Bigger, Nashville or Providence?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nashville and Providence. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nashville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nashville is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 81°F (27°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nashville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Nashville gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nashville usually receives more rain than Providence. Nashville gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nashville or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nashville as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Nashville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Nashville is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nashville averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In the autumn, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Nashville gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nashville usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Nashville gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nashville 62°F (17°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Nashville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nashville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can be very cold during winter. Nashville can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nashville is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nashville in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Nashville usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Nashville gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nashville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Nashville gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nashville 38°F (4°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Nashville or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Nashville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nashville for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Nashville is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Nashville average around 62°F (16°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nashville. In the spring, Nashville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Nashville gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. Nashville usually gets more rain in April than Providence. Nashville gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nashville 62°F (16°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Nashville

Nashville Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)