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

Should you visit New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a festive, vibrant, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, nightlife, and live music.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Providence. New Orleans is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Providence is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Providence and is known for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Providence?

New Orleans
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


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

New Orleans
Providence

New Orleans 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 New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans or Providence Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Providence

New Orleans 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 New Orleans is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking 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 New Orleans or Providence Better for Music?

New Orleans
Providence

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

New Orleans has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Providence Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Providence

New Orleans is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Providence?

New Orleans
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in 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, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Providence Better for Families?

New Orleans
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Providence is a family-friendly city. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.


Is New Orleans or Providence Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Providence

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

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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 New Orleans or Providence Better for Students?

New Orleans
Providence

Providence is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

New Orleans
Providence

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.


Is New Orleans or Providence a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Providence

Providence is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Providence?

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

Families should spend more time in Providence than New Orleans. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in New Orleans or Providence?

With food and nightlife around the festive city of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 active 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 New Orleans or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of New Orleans, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active 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 New Orleans or Providence?

New Orleans, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The friendly 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 New Orleans or Providence?

New Orleans 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.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or New Orleans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $239, 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 New Orleans and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Providence

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans 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 New Orleans


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

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

  • 20 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
  • New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $275
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $211
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • Private Hotel & Airport Transfers in the New Orleans Area One Way: $175
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $169

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 : $47
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $47
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $173
  • 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: $277

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $45
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • New Orleans Food Tour: $37
  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • French Quarter Food Tour: $42
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans: $66
  • French Quarter Food Tour with a Local: $76
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80

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.
    New Orleans $55
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

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

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
  • Small Airboat & Oak Alley Plantation Combo Guided Tour: $175
  • The National WWII Museum Admission + Campaigns of Courage Guided Tour Ticket: $54
  • True Crime, Whores and Gore FQ Walking Tour: $30
  • Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
  • 2 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Treme: $30
  • 2-Hour French Quarter Ghost Walking Tour in New Orleans: $40
  • 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
  • 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
  • 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57

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
  • 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
  • Providence Mob Walking Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Hop on, Hop off Craft Brewery Bus Tour in New Orleans: $10
  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana: Rum & Gin Distillery Tour: $14
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $21
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26


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


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Providence?

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

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

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°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 New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Providence during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Providence. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Providence in the Autumn?

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

New Orleans is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°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 New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Providence. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

New Orleans usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the winter for 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. In the winter, New Orleans is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

New Orleans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Providence. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit New Orleans or Providence in the Spring?

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

In April, New Orleans is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°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 New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets more sunshine than Providence. New Orleans gets 254 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 New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Providence. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and New Orleans

New Orleans Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)