A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Moab for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Providence or Moab?

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 Moab. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Many visitors also come to Moab because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Providence and Moab: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Providence or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Moab is more touristy than Providence and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab 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 Moab?

Providence
Moab

Providence is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.


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

Providence
Moab

Providence is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Providence or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Moab

Providence is a popular place for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Providence or Moab Better for Hiking?

Providence
Moab

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

Moab is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Providence is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Moab?

Providence
Moab

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Moab both offer plenty of notable spots.

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

Moab is a great destination for shopping. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Providence or Moab More Beautiful?

Providence
Moab

Moab is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Moab because of it's amazing beauty. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Moab Better for Families?

Providence
Moab

Moab is a great 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 Moab. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab Better for Couples?

Providence
Moab

Moab is a great town for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Moab is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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 Providence or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Providence
Moab

Moab is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Moab. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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 Moab Better for Students?

Providence
Moab

Providence is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab 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.

Moab is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Moab

Providence is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab 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 Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Providence or Moab a more walkable city?

Providence
Moab

Providence is great for its walkability. However, Moab 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.

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Moab or Providence?

How long in Providence or Moab?

In either Providence or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Providence because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Providence than Moab 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 Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Providence or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Providence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping around the adventurous town of Moab, 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 Moab?

Providence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With shopping around the destination of Moab, 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 town.

Five days in Providence or Moab?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Providence. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Moab, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Moab?

The fascinating city of Providence offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Moab 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, Moab 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
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Moab is $416. 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 Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Providence and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Moab? 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 Moab


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 Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Moab $17

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 Providence or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab 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
    Moab $64

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 Moab

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Moab:


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

For Moab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Moab $3.13

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

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

  • BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!: $48
  • 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: $117
  • 2.5 Hour Moab Hell's Revenge You Drive Off Road UTV Tour: $149
  • 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour: $173
  • 3.5 Hour HELL'S REVENGE and FINS & THINGS You Drive UTV Tour: $239
  • 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Afternoon Arches National Park 4x4 Tour: $210
  • Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour: $210
  • Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab: $197
  • Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $249
  • Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab: $210
  • Arches National Park Backcountry Tour: $252

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Moab $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Providence and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Providence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Providence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Providence 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in Providence.

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Moab?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Moab, 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.