Is Providence, RI cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 9.3% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $701 per month.

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $141,592.501 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 18.4% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Providence, RI?

Moving from Boston, MA to Providence, RI could save you approximately $701 per month, or $8407 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $701/month moving to Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.6K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$701

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$430K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Providence, RI

Category	Boston, MA	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$4,304/mo	↓ $971less	18.4%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,659/mo	↓ $171less	9.3%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $170less	9.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $51.64less	4.8%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$708/mo	↓ $35.58less	4.8%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$682/mo	↓ $34.25less	4.8%

Housing

↓ 18.4%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$971

less

Transportation

↓ 9.3%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$171

less

Other

↓ 9.3%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$170

less

Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$51.64

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$35.58

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$34.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,372

↓ $1,723

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,464

↓ $1,791

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,803

↓ $2,062

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,181

↓ $2,449

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$1,434

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Providence

$961K

Median Value

$430K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 55% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$88.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.