A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Providence vs. Santa Barbara for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Providence or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Providence travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Providence and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Providence or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Providence. While Providence is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Santa Barbara can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Santa Barbara

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Providence and Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Providence is not a resort destination.


Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Providence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Providence does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Providence does not have a historic old town.


Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Providence
Santa Barbara

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

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Santa Barbara?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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

Is Providence or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Providence
Santa Barbara

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

Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Providence or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a great coastal 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 Santa Barbara. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic 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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Providence
Santa Barbara

For students, both Providence and Santa Barbara are superb places to visit.

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.

Santa Barbara is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.


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

Providence
Santa Barbara

Providence and Santa Barbara both offer nice 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.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Providence or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Providence
Santa Barbara

Providence and Santa Barbara are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Providence?

How long in Providence or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Providence and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Providence. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.


  • How many days in Providence or Santa Barbara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Santa Barbara 2-3

One day in Providence or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Providence. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Providence. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Providence or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Providence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Santa Barbara, a popular coastal 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Providence. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara 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
    Santa Barbara Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Santa Barbara $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $196. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Santa Barbara $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Providence and Santa Barbara

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara


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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Santa Barbara $42

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Santa Barbara?

Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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
    Santa Barbara $80

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
    Santa Barbara $27

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 Santa Barbara

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

  • Tours of Santa Barbara ( Private touring ): $219
  • 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
  • 3-Winery Tour Tastings & Lunch Included from Santa Barbara in SYV: $179
  • 3-Winery Tour: Lunch Included from Santa Barbara in Santa Ynez: $119
  • 3-Winery Tour: Lunch Included from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton: $89
  • 3-Winery Tour: Tastings & Lunch Included from Santa Ynez/Solvang: $149
  • Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
  • Bellosguardo Estate Tour: $100
  • Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream : $90
  • City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
  • Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $40
  • Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Santa Barbara $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:


  • Camping
    $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:

  • Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
  • Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
  • Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $180
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
  • Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
  • Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
  • Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
  • Santa Ynez Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $259
  • Santa Barbara Wine Tour Experience - Authentic and Boutique : $265


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

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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Santa Barbara?

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

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Providence during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Providence is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Providence or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Providence is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Providence usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Providence or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Providence as well as Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Providence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Providence is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Providence or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Providence is much colder than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Providence

Providence Santa Barbara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)