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

Should you visit Panama City or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City 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.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Panama City or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Providence are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Providence is known for its museums and food. Panama City is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Panama City different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Providence?

Panama City
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Panama City or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Providence

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Providence Better for Music?

Panama City
Providence

Panama City is a good destination for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Providence Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Providence

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

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Providence Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Providence

Panama City is a great beach town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Providence?

Panama City
Providence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.


Is Panama City or Providence Better for Families?

Panama City
Providence

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City or Providence Better for Couples?

Panama City
Providence

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

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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 Panama City or Providence Better for Students?

Panama City
Providence

Panama City and Providence are great places to visit for students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

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

Panama City
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town 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 mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Panama City or Providence a more walkable city?

Panama City
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options 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.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Providence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Panama City 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 Panama City or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Panama City or Providence?

With shopping and nightlife around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Panama City or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Panama City, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly 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 Panama City or Providence?

Panama City, a popular beach town, 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 town. 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 Panama City or Providence?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Panama City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, 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 Panama City and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Panama City 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 Panama City


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: Panama City Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Providence $46

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 Panama City or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Panama City 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
    Panama City $66
    Providence $48

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.
    Panama City $19
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

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
    Panama City $56
    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 comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Providence, we can see that Panama City 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City 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 Panama City 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 Panama City or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Panama City 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 Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Providence. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Providence during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Panama City for 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. Panama City is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Providence. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Providence. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Providence. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Panama City

Panama City Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)