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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Providence?

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 Saint Louis and Providence. 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Providence: 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
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Providence. Saint Louis is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Louis is better known for its museums and shopping, while Providence is more popular for its food. Saint Louis is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Saint Louis different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Providence?

Saint Louis
Providence

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Providence

Providence is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Providence makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Saint Louis or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Providence

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Providence.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Providence?

Saint Louis
Providence

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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


Is Saint Louis or Providence Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Providence

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Louis. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Saint Louis or Providence Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Providence

Saint Louis and Providence both notable destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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.

Is Saint Louis or Providence Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Providence

Providence is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.


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

Saint Louis
Providence

Saint Louis is a great city 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.

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Saint Louis or Providence a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Providence

Providence is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Providence. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Providence. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Saint Louis or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the under rated city of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Saint Louis or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Providence?

Saint Louis, 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.

The active city of Providence offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Providence?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Saint Louis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $184, while the average daily cost in Providence is $210. 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 Saint Louis and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Providence? 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 Saint Louis


Hotels in Providence


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: Saint Louis Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $271
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $54
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Louis for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • ChocoCulture Saint Louis Half-Day Private Tour: $298
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $210
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $174
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $12
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

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
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $38
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25

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


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Providence, 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 Saint Louis Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Providence?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Providence, 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 Saint Louis or Providence?

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 Saint Louis or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Providence. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Providence. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

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

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Providence. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Providence and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)