A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Colorado Springs for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Providence or Colorado Springs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Providence and Colorado Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Providence travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Providence and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Providence or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Colorado Springs than Providence. Colorado Springs is bigger than Providence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its food and shopping. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. Also, Colorado Springs is famous for Pikes Peak.

How is Providence different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Providence is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Providence or Colorado Springs?

Providence
Colorado Springs

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Colorado Springs and Providence.

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.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Providence or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Colorado Springs

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Providence and Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.


Is Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Colorado Springs?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Providence or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great mountain town for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great mountain town 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 Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence and Colorado Springs both notable destinations for a couple.

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.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

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 Providence or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence is a great destination for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

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

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Providence or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Providence
Colorado Springs

Providence is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Providence?

How long in Providence or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Providence and Colorado Springs. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.


  • How many days in Providence or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Providence or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Providence. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Providence or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the fascinating city of Providence. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

Five days in Providence or Colorado Springs?

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Colorado Springs, a popular mountain town, 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.


A week in Providence or Colorado Springs?

Providence is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Providence?

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

  • Providence Prices
    USA Prices
    Colorado Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Colorado Springs $205

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $205. 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 Providence and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Providence and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Colorado Springs? 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 Providence


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: Providence Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Colorado Springs $36

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
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $125
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $133
  • 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
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Winter Park Ski Resort to Denver Airport BJC Departure Transfer: $274
  • Eagle Airport (EGE) to Glenwood Springs -Arrival Private Transfer: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Providence 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
    Providence $82
    Colorado Springs $95

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

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery - Colorado Springs, CO: $89
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Colorado Springs $40

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

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Pikes Peak E-Golf Cart Historic Tour of Manitou Springs: $64
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $89
  • 2-Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $129
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $244
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $89
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Red Rocks Amphitheatre Walking Tour: $39
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Luxury Jeep Tours: $149
  • Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
  • Cripple Creek Backcountry Jeep Tour: $110
  • Garden of The Gods Classic Hiking Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Colorado Springs $24


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

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Colorado Springs, 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 Providence or Colorado Springs?

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 Providence or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Providence as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Providence is around the same temperature as Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Providence in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Providence usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Colorado Springs. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Providence or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Providence is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 53°F (12°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Providence usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Providence or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Providence during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Providence can be very cold during winter. Providence is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Providence or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Colorado Springs. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In the spring, Providence is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Providence in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Providence usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Providence

Providence Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)