A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Providence for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Providence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Providence than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Providence, Providence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Providence is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Providence and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also home to WaterFire.

How is Virginia Beach different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Providence

The vibe at night is good in both Virginia Beach and Providence.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Providence

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

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Virginia Beach and Providence are both good to visit as a couple.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Providence is a good coastal city for couples to visit. 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 Virginia Beach or Providence Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Providence is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

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

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Providence a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Providence

Providence is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Providence. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Providence?

With nightlife around the relaxing coastal city of Virginia Beach, 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.

In Providence, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Providence?

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Providence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Providence?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Providence. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, 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 Virginia Beach and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Providence $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

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
  • 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 Virginia Beach or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Providence $48

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.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

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
  • Providence Architecture Boat Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Virginia Beach and Providence, we can see that Providence is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Providence?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Providence averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Virginia Beach. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Providence. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Virginia Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Providence. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Providence can be very cold. Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Providence averages at about 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 Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Providence. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)