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

Should you visit Providence or Portland?

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 Portland. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Providence and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Providence. Portland is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its museums and food. Portland is more touristy than Providence and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Providence is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Music?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Portland?

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

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

Portland is a great destination for shopping. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Families?

Both Providence and Portland 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.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Couples?

Providence and Portland 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.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Providence or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Providence and Portland 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.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Providence or Portland a more walkable city?

Providence and Portland are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Providence?

How long in Providence or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Providence and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Providence than Portland. 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.

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

One day in Providence or Portland?

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 shopping and nightlife around the progressive city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Portland?

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 live music around the destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Providence or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Portland. Most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Providence is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Providence in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Portland. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Providence or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Portland. The autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Providence is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 53°F (12°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°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 Portland. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland 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 Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. Providence is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Providence usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Portland. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Providence or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Providence is cooler than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Providence in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, 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 Portland. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Providence