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

Should you visit Providence or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley. 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 active, friendly, and fascinating city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Providence or Berkeley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berkeley than Providence. While Providence is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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.


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

Providence
Berkeley

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Berkeley can be an enjoyable experience.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Berkeley makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Providence or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley has something for everybody. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 the Shopping Better in Providence or Berkeley?

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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


Is Providence or Berkeley Better for Families?

Providence
Berkeley

Both Providence and Berkeley are nice 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Providence or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Providence
Berkeley

Providence and Berkeley both nice 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Providence or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Providence or Berkeley Better for Students?

Providence
Berkeley

For students, both Providence and Berkeley are great places to visit.

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.

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

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

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Berkeley can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Providence or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Providence
Berkeley

Berkeley is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Providence?

How long in Providence or Berkeley?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Providence or Berkeley?

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the quirky city of Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Berkeley, 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 city.

Five days in Providence or Berkeley?

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley, 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.


A week in Providence or Berkeley?

Providence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Berkeley 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, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Providence and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley


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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Berkeley $30

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: $91
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36

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

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Berkeley $30

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

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Berkeley $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: $58

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Berkeley?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Berkeley, 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 Providence or Berkeley?

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 Providence or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Providence during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Providence is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Providence or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Providence is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Providence usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Providence or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Providence as well as Berkeley. The winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Providence usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Providence or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

Providence is much colder than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Providence usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Providence

Providence Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)