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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Providence are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Providence attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Providence and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Providence is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

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

Cape Canaveral offers a nice beach destination. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Providence both offer plenty of nice spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Cape Canaveral 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, Cape Canaveral is very family-friendly. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

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

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence Better for Students?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Providence is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with 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.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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 Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.


Is Cape Canaveral or Providence a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Providence

Providence is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Providence. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Cape Canaveral or Providence?

With museums and food around the fascinating town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, 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.

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 Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Providence is $245. 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 Cape Canaveral and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $252
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $236
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $125
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Providence to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $40
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $40
  • Private Airport Transfer TO/FROM Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $74
    Providence $82

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: $99
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll A Guided Italian Culinary Experience: $150
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll with Italian Dinner: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95

Tours and Activities in Providence

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

  • Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $46
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $35
  • Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $30
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $54
  • Haunted Boat Tours in Providence: $55
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Historic Providence Boat Tours: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Providence $13


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Providence, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Providence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Providence in the Summer?

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

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Providence. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Providence. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Providence. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Providence. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Providence. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)