A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Providence for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Providence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Providence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Providence

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

Hilton Head Island and Providence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island. Although Hilton Head Island and Providence are popular destinations, Hilton Head Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hilton Head Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Providence attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Providence and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. It is also well known for The Harbour Town Lighthouse. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

Providence is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and Providence.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Providence is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Providence.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Providence are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island or Providence Better for Students?

Providence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. 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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Providence is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Providence a more walkable city?

Providence is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Providence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Providence or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

With shopping and food around the relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Providence is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Providence?

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Providence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Hilton Head Island or Providence?

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

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Providence, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Providence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Providence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Providence 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Providence.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Providence. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Providence during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Providence. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilton Head Island in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Providence averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In January, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 48°F (9°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Providence and Hilton Head Island