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

Should you visit Cherokee or Providence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Cherokee travel costs.

Providence

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

Cherokee and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Providence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cherokee than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cherokee is better known for its hiking, while Providence is more popular for its food and nightlife. Cherokee is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. Also, Cherokee is famous for Oconaluftee Indian Village. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Cherokee different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cherokee
Providence

Both Cherokee and Providence have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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.


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

Cherokee
Providence

Providence is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cherokee or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Providence Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Providence

Cherokee is a great town for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cherokee for the hiking trails. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Providence?

Cherokee
Providence

Both Cherokee and Providence are notable shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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

Is Cherokee or Providence Better for Families?

Cherokee
Providence

Cherokee is a great town 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 Cherokee. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Providence Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Providence

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

Cherokee is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Providence

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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 Cherokee or Providence Better for Students?

Cherokee
Providence

Providence is notable for students. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not popular with students.

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

Cherokee
Providence

Providence is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.


Is Cherokee or Providence a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Providence

Providence is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Providence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

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


  • How many days in Cherokee or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Cherokee or Providence?

With museums and food around the cultural town of Cherokee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Cherokee or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cherokee, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 town.

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 Cherokee or Providence?

Cherokee, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cherokee or Providence?

Cherokee 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Cherokee?

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

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, 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 Cherokee and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    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.
    Cherokee -
    Providence $26

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
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Providence Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
  • Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence: $24
  • Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $30
  • Voices of Resilience: Hidden History of Providence Tour: $30
  • The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $30
  • Benefit Street History Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Providence Ghost Tours: Phantoms, Poltergeists, & Pestilence: $32
  • Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Providence $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°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 Cherokee this time of the year. In the summer, Cherokee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°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 Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Providence. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Cherokee during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and 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. Cherokee can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cherokee is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Providence. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Providence. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Providence.

In April, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°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 Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Cherokee

Cherokee Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)