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

Should you visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a cultural, colorful, and festive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Providence

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

San Antonio and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Providence?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Antonio than Providence. San Antonio is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Antonio is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its food. San Antonio is more touristy than Providence and is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is San Antonio different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Providence?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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 San Antonio or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Antonio
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio 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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is San Antonio or Providence Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Providence

It's hard to distinguish whether San Antonio or Providence has a better nightlife scene.

San Antonio has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

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 San Antonio or Providence Better for Music?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Providence Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio has an old town worth visiting. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Providence?

San Antonio
Providence

Shopping is a popular activity in both Providence and San Antonio.

San Antonio is a great destination for shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is San Antonio or Providence Better for Christmas?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Providence does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio worth visiting during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Providence does not offer Christmas activities.


Is San Antonio or Providence Better for Families?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Antonio is very family-friendly. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio or Providence Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Providence

San Antonio and Providence both notable destinations for a couple.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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 San Antonio or Providence Better for Students?

San Antonio
Providence

Providence is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.


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

San Antonio
Providence

Providence is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Providence a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Providence

Providence is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Antonio and Providence. In our opinion, San Antonio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Antonio than Providence. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in San Antonio or Providence?

With live music and food around the festive city of San Antonio, 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating 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 San Antonio or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of San Antonio, 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.

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 San Antonio or Providence?

San Antonio, 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 friendly 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 San Antonio or Providence?

San Antonio 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.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or San Antonio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $132, 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 San Antonio and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Providence

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio 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 San Antonio


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97
  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - Arrival or Departure Private Transfer : $93
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93

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
  • 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 San Antonio or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

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.
    San Antonio $36
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

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


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo: $169
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25
  • Downtown San Antonio Helicopter Tour: $197
  • Half-Day Afternoon City Tour of Historic San Antonio : $65
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Mission Southern Route: $65
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Missions Northern Route: $65
  • Historic Spanish Missions Bike Tour - 3 Missions Tour: $85
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio Admission Ticket: $27
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $149

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
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $35
  • Power and Politics: The Struggle for the Soul of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155

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

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


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Providence?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and San Antonio during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In July, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°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 San Antonio. In the summer, San Antonio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in July than Providence. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Providence. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene.

San Antonio is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°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 San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Providence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Providence. Many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets less sunshine than Providence. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Providence. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°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 San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during spring. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Providence. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and San Antonio

San Antonio Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)