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

Should you visit Providence or Santa Cruz?

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 Cruz. 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.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Providence and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Santa Cruz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Cruz than Providence. While Providence is larger than Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Cruz is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Providence is more popular for its food. Santa Cruz is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is famous for Santa Cruz Wharf. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

Providence is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Providence or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

Santa Cruz is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Cruz has something for everybody. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. 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.

Is Providence or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a great town for the beach. However, Providence is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Santa Cruz for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Providence is not a beach destination.

Is Providence or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Santa Cruz?

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is a great destination for shopping. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Providence or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Santa Cruz is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

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 Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Students?

Providence is notable for students. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Providence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Providence or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Santa Cruz is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Providence?

How long in Providence or Santa Cruz?

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

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

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

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

One day in Providence or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Providence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the coastal town of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Providence or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Providence, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Cruz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Providence or Santa Cruz?

Providence, 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.

Santa Cruz, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cruz?

Providence 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.

Santa Cruz 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.

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

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 Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Providence or Santa Cruz?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?

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 Cruz in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Providence is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Providence in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to Providence for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Providence is generally cooler than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Providence usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Providence or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

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

Providence can get quite cold in the winter. Providence is much colder than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Providence usually gets more rain in January than Santa Cruz. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Providence is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Providence in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Providence usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Providence