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

Should you visit Providence or Avon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Avon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Providence and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Providence or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avon than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avon is better known for its skiing, resorts, and hiking, while Providence is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Avon is more touristy than Providence and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Also, Avon is famous for Avon Recreation Center. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Avon Better for Skiing?

Providence
Avon

Avon is a great town for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Providence is not a skiing destination.


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

Providence
Avon

Providence is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Providence
Avon

Providence is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Providence or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Avon

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Providence and Avon.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Providence or Avon Better for Resorts?

Providence
Avon

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

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Providence or Avon Better for Hiking?

Providence
Avon

Avon is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Avon offers some nice hiking trails. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Avon?

Providence
Avon

Providence is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Providence or Avon Better for Families?

Providence
Avon

Both Providence and Avon are notable family-friendly destinations.

Providence offers lots of family activities. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly place to visit. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Providence or Avon Better for Couples?

Providence
Avon

Providence and Avon both notable destinations for a couple.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Providence or Avon Better for Students?

Providence
Avon

Providence is notable for students. However, Avon is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Avon is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Avon

Providence and Avon both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Is Providence or Avon a more walkable city?

Providence
Avon

Providence is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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

Should I spend more time in Avon or Providence?

How long in Providence or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Providence or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Avon 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 Providence or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Providence or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With food and skiing around the outdoorsy town of Avon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Providence or Avon?

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Avon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Providence or Avon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Avon, a popular town, 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.

A week in Providence or Avon?

The active city of Providence offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Avon 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Providence?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $210, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Providence and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Providence and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Avon? 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 Providence


Hotels in Avon


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: Providence Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Avon $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Providence 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
    Providence $48
    Avon $67

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.
    Providence $26
    Avon $48

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
    Providence $13
    Avon $38

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 Providence and Avon, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Providence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Providence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Providence 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Providence.

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Avon?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Avon, 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.