Is Providence, RI cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 43.3% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $3251 per month.

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Buffalo, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $189,012.22 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo, NY and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 125.2% more expensive than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Buffalo, NY to Providence, RI?

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $3251 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $39012 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $189.0K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 43.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,251

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$39.0K

Per year

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

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$188K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

143

(43% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K 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: Buffalo, NY vs Providence, RI

Category	Buffalo, NY	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,911/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $2,393more	125.2%
All Utilities	$498/mo	$682/mo	↑ $184more	36.9%
Healthcare	$565/mo	$708/mo	↑ $143more	25.4%
Other	$1,789/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $135less	7.5%
Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $89.65more	5.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $11.52less	1.1%

Housing

↑ 125.2%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$2,393

All Utilities

↑ 36.9%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$184

Healthcare

↑ 25.4%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$143

Other

↓ 7.5%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$135

less

Transportation

↑ 5.7%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$89.65

Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$11.52

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$1,372

↑ $160

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,464

↑ $211

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$1,803

↑ $326

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$2,181

↑ $377

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/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.

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$2,663

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Providence

$188K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 129% more expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$258

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Buffalo, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.