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

Should you visit Providence or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Providence travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Providence and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Sun Valley?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its museums and attractions. Sun Valley is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Providence is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Providence or Sun Valley?

Providence is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Providence or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Providence or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Providence or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is a great town for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Sun Valley?

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is a great destination for shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Providence or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Students?

Providence is a great destination for students. However, Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Sun Valley offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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

Is Providence or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Providence?

How long in Providence or Sun Valley?

Both Providence and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Providence. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Providence, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Providence or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the fascinating 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 shopping and skiing around the adventurous town of Sun Valley, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

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 skiing and nightlife around the destination of Sun Valley, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Providence or Sun Valley?

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.

Sun Valley, 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 Sun Valley?

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.

Sun Valley is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. 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 comparing the travel costs between Providence and Sun Valley, we can see that Providence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Providence or Sun Valley?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Providence and Sun Valley, 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.