A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Providence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tampa or Providence?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Where Should I go: Tampa or Providence?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

Providence

Providence is the state capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It's a fascinating city to visit with diverse neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a rich history. Like much of New England, the winters are cold and snowy with milder summers. It's a great year round destination that has a beautiful setting whether it's covered in snow or in full bloom.

Which city is cheaper, Providence or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Providence is $168. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Providence $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Providence $182
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Providence $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Tampa Area to Orlando Area Transfer up to 11 One Price Mercedes Sprinter: $300
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Anna Maria Island: $120
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $113
  • Private Tampa Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Providence to T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Providence to Boston’s Logan International Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $180
  • Private Departure Transfer to Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • Private Chauffeur Transfer: Providence Hotels to Providence Airport (PVD): $107
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Providence Airport (PVD) to Providence Hotels: $133
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $36
  • New York’s JFK International Airport to Providence – Departure Private Transfer: $467

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Providence $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

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

  • Taste of Rhode Island Guided Food Tour: $65
  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Providence $21

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Tours and Activities in Providence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.

  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $57
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $39
  • Narrated Boat Tours: $30
  • Providence Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Twilight River Cruises: $45
  • Ultimate Providence Self-Driving Audio Tour: $7.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Providence $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Providence. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tampa is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The temperature in Tampa is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Providence stays around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Providence during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Providence. Tampa 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
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Providence. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October are around 75°F (24°C), and Providence is about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Providence. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Providence. Temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Providence stays around 28°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Providence. Tampa 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
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tampa is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The temperature in Tampa is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Providence stays around 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Providence. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Tampa

Tampa Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°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 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 68°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)


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Tampa vs. Providence Travel Comparison

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