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

Should you visit Providence or Moncton?

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 Moncton. 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 active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Providence and Moncton: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Providence or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Providence than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. It is also well known for WaterFire. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Providence different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Providence
Moncton

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Moncton 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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.


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

Providence
Moncton

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

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.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Providence or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Moncton

Providence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

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 Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Moncton?

Providence
Moncton

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

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

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.


Is Providence or Moncton Better for Families?

Providence
Moncton

Both Providence and Moncton are nice 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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Providence or Moncton Better for Couples?

Providence
Moncton

Providence and Moncton both nice 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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Providence or Moncton Better for Students?

Providence
Moncton

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

Many students visit 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.

Moncton is not popular with students.


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

Providence
Moncton

Providence is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Moncton 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 generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Providence or Moncton a more walkable city?

Providence
Moncton

Providence is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Providence?

How long in Providence or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Providence or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Providence than Moncton 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 Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Providence than Moncton. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Providence than Moncton. 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 Providence than Moncton 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 Moncton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Moncton 1-2

One day in Providence or Moncton?

In Providence, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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


A weekend in Providence or Moncton?

In Providence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Providence has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Moncton, 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 Moncton?

Providence is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton, 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 Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Providence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Moncton 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton 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
    Moncton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Moncton $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $148. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Providence and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Moncton? 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 Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Moncton -

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 Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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
    Moncton $97

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.
    Providence $26
    Moncton $79

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

Tours and Activities in Moncton

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

  • Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Moncton $4.54


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

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Moncton?

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

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 Providence or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Providence because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

Providence is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Moncton. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Providence or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Moncton for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Providence is a little warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Providence usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Providence or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Moncton. Many travelers come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Moncton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Moncton can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Providence. In January, Providence is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Providence usually receives less rain than Moncton. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Providence or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Providence as well as Moncton.

Moncton can be very cold during spring. Providence is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Providence usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Moncton. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Providence

Providence Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)