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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Providence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Providence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll 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.

Jekyll Island and Providence: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Providence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Providence are popular destinations, Jekyll Island has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Providence attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Providence and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also well known for Driftwood Beach. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Jekyll Island different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jekyll Island
Providence

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Providence and Jekyll Island.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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 Jekyll Island or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Jekyll Island is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Jekyll Island is a great island for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Jekyll Island is a great island for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Providence?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Jekyll Island is a great island 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 Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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 Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Both Jekyll Island and Providence are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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 Jekyll Island or Providence Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Providence

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

Students come from all over to stay in Providence. 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.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.


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

Jekyll Island
Providence

Providence is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Providence a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Providence

Providence is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll 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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Providence or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Providence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Jekyll 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 Jekyll 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.


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

One day in Jekyll Island or Providence?

With museums around the secluded island of Jekyll Island, 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.

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 Jekyll Island or Providence?

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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 Jekyll Island or Providence?

Jekyll Island, a popular island, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating 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 Jekyll Island or Providence?

Jekyll Island 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Jekyll Island?

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

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, 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 Jekyll Island and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $77
    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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    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
  • 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
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Providence $13


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

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island or Providence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Providence. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Providence in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Jekyll Island gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jekyll Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Providence. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Providence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Providence. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°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 Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in October than Providence. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can be very cold during winter. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Providence during winter. Jekyll Island gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Providence. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Providence in the Spring?

Both Providence and Jekyll Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Providence in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°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 Jekyll Island. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Providence. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)