Is Providence, RI cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 27.4% more expensive than Baltimore, MD. This translates to spending an extra $2058 per month.

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $174,691.346 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 38.0% more expensive than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Providence, RI?

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $2058 more per month than Baltimore, MD, or $24691 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Providence, RI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.7K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 27.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,058

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Providence, RI

Category	Baltimore, MD	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $1,186more	38.0%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $280more	20.3%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$708/mo	↑ $119more	20.3%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$682/mo	↑ $75.03more	12.4%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $61.64less	5.7%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $53.27less	3.1%

Housing

↑ 38.0%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$1,186

Transportation

↑ 20.3%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$280

Healthcare

↑ 20.3%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$119

All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$75.03

Groceries

↓ 5.7%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$61.64

less

Other

↓ 3.1%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$53.27

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Providence, RI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,372

↑ $102

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,464

↑ $14.00

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,803

↑ $33.00

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$2,181

↓ $99.00

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$1,545

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Providence

$218K

Median Value

$430K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 98% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Providence

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $817

Per year

Monthly Difference

$68.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Providence, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.