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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Providence?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Providence travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Providence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Providence. While Providence is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Daytona Beach different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Providence. 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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Providence is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Daytona Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Providence is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Providence is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Providence

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

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Providence?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Providence to go shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Providence

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Providence make for a nice place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Providence Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Providence is a very popular beach 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.


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

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach 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 quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Providence a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Providence

Providence is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

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

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Providence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Daytona 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 Daytona 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 Daytona Beach or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Providence?

With live music and nightlife around the fun beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Providence. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Providence?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Providence?

Daytona Beach, a popular beach city, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Providence?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Providence. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Daytona Beach?

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

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, 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 Daytona Beach and Providence in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Daytona 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 Daytona 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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    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 Daytona Beach or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Daytona 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
    Daytona Beach $138
    Providence $82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

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
    Daytona Beach $43
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

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

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Providence in the Summer?

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

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Providence. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Providence. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach 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 January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in January than Providence. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Providence. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Providence. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)