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

Should you visit Providence or Milwaukee?

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 Milwaukee. 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 fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Providence and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Providence or Milwaukee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Providence than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Providence, Providence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also home to WaterFire. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Providence different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

Providence
Milwaukee

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Milwaukee and Providence.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. 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.

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.


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

Providence
Milwaukee

Providence is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Providence has a huge number of terrific 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Providence or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Milwaukee

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

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 Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Milwaukee?

Providence
Milwaukee

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Milwaukee both offer plenty of good spots.

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

Milwaukee is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.


Is Providence or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Providence
Milwaukee

Both Providence and Milwaukee are good 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.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Providence or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Providence
Milwaukee

Providence is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Providence or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Providence
Milwaukee

Providence is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is popular with students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.


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

Providence
Milwaukee

Providence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Providence or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Providence
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Providence?

How long in Providence or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Providence or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Providence than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

Families should spend more time in Providence than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Providence or Milwaukee?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Milwaukee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Providence or Milwaukee?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active 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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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.

Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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.

Milwaukee 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, Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee is $176. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Milwaukee? 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 Milwaukee


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 Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Milwaukee $38

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: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Milwaukee - General Mitchell Airport One Way Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $96
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Milwaukee $26

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
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $128
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $245
  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $10
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $69
  • Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $648
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $482

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Milwaukee $33

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 Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Milwaukee, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?

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 Providence or Milwaukee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Providence is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 73°F (23°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Providence or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Milwaukee. The autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

Providence is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the autumn, Providence often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Providence or Milwaukee in the Winter?

Both Milwaukee and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milwaukee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milwaukee. It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In the winter, Providence is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

Providence usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Providence or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Providence is generally around the same temperature as Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Providence. In the spring, Providence often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Milwaukee. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Providence

Providence Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)