A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Providence vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Providence or Edmonton?

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 Edmonton. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Providence travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Providence and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Providence or Edmonton?

Both Edmonton and Providence have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Providence is better known for its food, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Providence different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Providence or Edmonton?

Providence
Edmonton

Edmonton 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 Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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 Providence or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Edmonton

Providence is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Providence or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Edmonton

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

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 Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Edmonton?

Providence
Edmonton

Edmonton 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 Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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


Is Providence or Edmonton Better for Families?

Providence
Edmonton

Both Providence and Edmonton are notable family-friendly destinations.

Providence offers lots of family activities. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly place to visit. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Providence or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Providence
Edmonton

Providence and Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is a nice destination for couples. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Providence or Edmonton Better for Students?

Providence
Edmonton

Providence is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

Providence is very popular with students. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Edmonton is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Edmonton

Providence and Edmonton both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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

Edmonton has a few public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Providence or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Providence
Edmonton

Providence is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Providence?

How long in Providence or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Providence or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Providence than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Edmonton 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 Providence or Edmonton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Edmonton 1-2

One day in Providence or Edmonton?

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Providence or Edmonton?

Providence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Providence or Edmonton?

Providence is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Edmonton?

Providence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Edmonton 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.


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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton 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
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Providence and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Edmonton? 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 Edmonton


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 Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Edmonton $79

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Edmonton?

Prices for flights to both Edmonton 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
    Edmonton $27

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 Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Edmonton $91

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 Edmonton

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

  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton City Highlights 2 Hour E-Scooter Tour: $93
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.: $99
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • Edmonton Food Bike Tour: $146
  • Edmonton Food Walk Tour: $102
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Edmonton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


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

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Edmonton, 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.