Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Providence?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Providence or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa. 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.
Where Should I go: Providence or Ottawa?
Providence
Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayProvidence $210Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $210, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personProvidence $114Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomProvidence $228Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Providence and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Providence or Ottawa? 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.
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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Providence $46Ottawa $7.21
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: $92
- 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: $170
- 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 Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 dayProvidence $48Ottawa $17
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 Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Providence $26Ottawa $40
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
- 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: $36
- Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
- Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35
- Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayProvidence $13Ottawa $18
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Ottawa, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Providence Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Providence or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Ottawa. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.
Providence is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyProvidence 73°F (23°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Providence or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Providence is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the autumn, Providence often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Providence usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberProvidence 53°F (12°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Providence or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Providence is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Providence usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryProvidence 28°F (-2°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Providence or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit.
Providence is a little warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Providence. In the spring, Providence often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Providence usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilProvidence 48°F (9°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Providence
| Providence | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 33°F (0°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.