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

Should you visit Nags Head or Providence?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Nags Head and Providence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Nags Head or Providence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Providence than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Providence is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Nags Head is more popular for its nightlife. Providence is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Also, Providence is famous for WaterFire. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Providence. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Providence Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Providence

Nags Head is a great for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nags Head has something for everybody. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

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 the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Providence?

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Providence. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Providence Better for Families?

Nags Head
Providence

Nags Head is a great 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 Nags Head. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Providence Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Providence

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Providence make for a notable place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Providence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nags Head or Providence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Providence

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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 Nags Head or Providence Better for Students?

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Providence is a very popular 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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Providence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Nags Head or Providence a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Providence

Providence is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.


Should I spend more time in Providence or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Providence. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Providence. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Providence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Providence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Providence 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Providence?

With food and nightlife around the laid-back of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Providence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Providence?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Providence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Providence?

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Providence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nags Head or Providence?

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

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Providence or Nags Head?

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

  • Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
    Providence Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Providence $245

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, 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 Nags Head and Providence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Providence $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Providence $228
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Providence

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Providence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Providence $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Providence?

Prices for flights to both Providence and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $71
    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.
    Nags Head $14
    Providence $26

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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
    Nags Head $12
    Providence $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Providence?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Providence in the Summer?

Both Providence and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Providence fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Providence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Providence during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Providence. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Providence 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Providence in the Autumn?

Both Providence and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year.

Nags Head is a little warmer than Providence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Providence fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Providence. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 211 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Providence. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Providence 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Providence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Providence. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much warmer than Providence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Providence averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Providence during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Providence receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Providence. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Providence 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Providence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Providence.

In April, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Providence. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Providence fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Providence. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Providence receives 225 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets less rain in April than Providence. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Providence receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Providence 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Providence and Nags Head

Nags Head Providence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)