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

Should you visit Providence or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento. 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Providence or Sacramento?

Both Sacramento and Providence have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Providence is more popular for its food, while Sacramento is known for its museums. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Providence different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Providence
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

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 Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Sacramento

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Providence or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Sacramento

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

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 Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Sacramento?

Providence
Sacramento

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is a great destination for shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Providence or Sacramento Better for Families?

Providence
Sacramento

Both Providence and Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Providence or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Providence
Sacramento

Providence is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Providence or Sacramento Better for Students?

Providence
Sacramento

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Providence is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Sacramento

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Providence or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Providence
Sacramento

Providence is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Providence?

How long in Providence or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Providence or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Providence than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

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

One day in Providence or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the active city of Providence, 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.

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


A weekend in Providence or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

Providence, 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.

Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

Providence 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.

Sacramento 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Providence and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Sacramento $51

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 Sacramento

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

  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $293
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Sacramento $19

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 Sacramento

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

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Providence or Sacramento?

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

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Sacramento. Many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Providence is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 73°F (23°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Providence or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Sacramento. Most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

Providence is much colder than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the autumn, Providence often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Providence or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. In the winter, Providence is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Providence usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Providence or Sacramento in the Spring?

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

In April, Providence is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Providence. In the spring, Providence often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Providence

Providence Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)