A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Providence for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz 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 La Paz 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Providence travel costs.

La Paz and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in La Paz or Providence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Providence are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is La Paz different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Providence?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Providence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Providence

Foodies will find both La Paz and Providence both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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.

Is La Paz or Providence Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Providence

Evening events are good in both La Paz and Providence.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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.

Is La Paz or Providence Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Providence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a great city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Providence Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Providence?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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


Is La Paz or Providence Better for Families?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a great city 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 La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Providence Better for Couples?

La Paz
Providence

Both La Paz and Providence are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. 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 La Paz or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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 La Paz or Providence Better for Students?

La Paz
Providence

Providence is notable for students. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz
Providence

Both La Paz and Providence offer good public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Providence a more walkable city?

La Paz
Providence

La Paz and Providence both are very good when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Providence or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Providence?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Providence 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 La Paz.


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

One day in La Paz or Providence?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful city of La Paz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Providence. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Providence?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of La Paz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Providence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Providence?

La Paz, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in La Paz or Providence?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 fascinating destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or La Paz?

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

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, 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 La Paz and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Providence

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80

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 La Paz or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Providence $82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

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.
    La Paz $11
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $127
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • Birding Tour in La Paz Mexico: $177
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Cultural and Culinary Tour of El Triunfo, Baja California Sur: $250
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $261
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $195
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $250
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

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
    La Paz $11
    Providence $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Providence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Providence. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Providence. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Providence averages at about 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 La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Providence. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Providence receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, La Paz is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), 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 La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Providence during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Providence. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Providence in the Winter?

Both Providence and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can be very cold during winter. La Paz is much warmer than Providence in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Providence fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Providence. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Providence. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Providence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Providence. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, La Paz is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Providence averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Providence during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Providence. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and La Paz

La Paz Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)