Is Providence, RI cheaper than Newark, NJ?

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

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

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

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 43.7% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Providence, RI?

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

Newark, NJ 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 Newark, NJ

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.

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$484K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

(20% below avg)

Median Home:$430K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Providence, RI

Category	Newark, NJ	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%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$3,344

less

Other

↓ 18.7%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$380

less

Groceries

↓ 11.8%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$138

less

All Utilities

↑ 13.6%

Newark, NJ

$600

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$81.59

Transportation

↑ 3.6%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$57.13

Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

Newark, NJ

$688

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$20.18

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,400

To$1,372

↓ $28.00

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,464

↓ $136

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,803

↓ $127

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$2,181

↓ $249

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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 Newark, NJ

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$3,702

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Providence

$484K

Median Value

$430K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 11% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $988

Per year

Monthly Difference

$82.29

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.