Is Providence, RI cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 19.6% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $1470 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $132,364.778 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Providence, RI is 43.7% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

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

Moving from New York, NY to Providence, RI could save you approximately $1470 per month, or $17635 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New York, NY vs Providence, RI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.4K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 19.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,470

Savings

Annual Impact

$17.6K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.05M

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

(20% below avg)

Median Home:$430K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Providence, RI

Category	New York, NY	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$4,304/mo	↓ $3,344less	43.7%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $380less	18.7%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $138less	11.8%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$682/mo	↑ $81.59more	13.6%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $57.13more	3.6%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$708/mo	↑ $20.18more	2.9%

Housing

↓ 43.7%

New York, NY

$7,648

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$3,344

less

Other

↓ 18.7%

New York, NY

$2,034

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$380

less

Groceries

↓ 11.8%

New York, NY

$1,165

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$138

less

All Utilities

↑ 13.6%

New York, NY

$600

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$81.59

Transportation

↑ 3.6%

New York, NY

$1,602

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$57.13

Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

New York, NY

$688

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$20.18

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$1,372

↓ $1,748

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,464

↓ $1,806

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,803

↓ $1,787

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$2,181

↓ $2,319

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$3,702

Difference

Home Values

New York

Providence

$1.05M

Median Value

$430K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 59% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York 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

New York, 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

New York, 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.