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

Should you visit Savannah or Providence?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Providence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Providence

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

Savannah and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Savannah or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Savannah than Providence. While Providence is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights and attractions for tourists. Savannah is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its nightlife. Savannah is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Savannah different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Providence?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah 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 Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Providence

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Savannah and Providence can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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.

Is Savannah or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Providence

Providence is a popular place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Savannah or Providence Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah is a good destination for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Savannah offers a nice beach destination. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Providence is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Providence Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Providence?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

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

Is Savannah or Providence Better for Families?

Savannah
Providence

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Providence.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Providence is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Providence Better for Couples?

Savannah
Providence

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

Savannah is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Savannah or Providence Better for Students?

Savannah
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for students. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.


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

Savannah
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Providence a more walkable city?

Savannah
Providence

Savannah and Providence both are superb when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Providence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Providence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Savannah.


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

One day in Savannah or Providence?

With museums and food around the beautiful city of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Savannah or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Providence?

Savannah, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Providence?

Savannah 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.

Providence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Savannah?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, 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 Savannah and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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 Savannah


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $430
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $256
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $221
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $221
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $205
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $179
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Providence $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $67
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106

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.
    Savannah $17
    Providence $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • 2-Hour Explore Savannah Bike Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 2hr Paranormal Walking Tour: $30
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30
  • 90 minute Original Haunted Savannah Tour | 8pm: $25
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41

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
    Savannah $34
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Pub Crawl: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Dive Bar Crawl Ticket: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • The Savannah Pub Crawler with Captain Stoner Joe: $27
  • Bad Kitty Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl - Spooky, naughty ghosts: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30

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 Savannah and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Savannah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savannah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savannah 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 Savannah.

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


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In the summer, Savannah often gets less sunshine than Providence. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Savannah receives a lot of rain in the summer. Savannah usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Savannah or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Savannah because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Savannah is much warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives less rain than Providence. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Savannah during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Providence. Many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Savannah is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Savannah usually receives less rain than Providence. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Savannah

Savannah Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)