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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Providence. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Providence and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Petersburg or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Providence.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. 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 Saint Petersburg or Providence Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Providence Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Providence offers some nice shopping areas. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Providence Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg or Providence Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. 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 Petersburg or Providence Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. 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 Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Providence is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Providence a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Providence

Providence is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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 Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Providence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Providence. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly city of Providence. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Providence?

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

Providence is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, 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 Petersburg and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Providence $46

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: $272
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $169
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $49
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $46
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $49
    Providence $48
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Providence $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Providence $13

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 Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Providence?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg or Providence?

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 Saint Petersburg or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Providence during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Providence. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Providence. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)