Cost of Living in Providence, RI
Population 190,214 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Providence cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $323,000, rents near $1,333 a month. Around 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Providence
The median home value in Providence is $322,800 — 6% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,333/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,772/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Rhode Island's top state income tax rate is 6.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Providence has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 48 | 59 | 69 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 30 | 40 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.44 | 4.90 | 4.29 | 3.37 | 3.81 | 2.91 | 3.59 | 4.17 | 4.18 | 4.27 | 4.65 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 10.5 | 6.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 7.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI?
Providence has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Providence, RI?
The median gross rent in Providence is $1,333 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Providence?
The median home value in Providence is $322,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Providence?
The median household income in Providence is $66,772 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Providence, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Providence is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Providence, RI affordable?
Providence is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Providence?
Providence has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Providence at a Glance
- Population
- 190,214
- Median Income
- $66,772
- Home Value
- $322,800
- Median Rent
- $1,333/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Rhode Island Rankings
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