Is Providence, RI cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 33.5% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $2511 per month.

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $180,131.252 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 86.1% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI?

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $2511 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $30131 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.5K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $180.1K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 33.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,511

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

133

(33% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Providence, RI

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $1,991more	86.1%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $239more	16.8%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $120less	6.8%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$708/mo	↑ $101more	16.6%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $76.62less	6.9%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$682/mo	↑ $75.03more	12.4%

Housing

↑ 86.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$1,991

Transportation

↑ 16.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$239

Other

↓ 6.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$120

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$101

Groceries

↓ 6.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$76.62

less

All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$75.03

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/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$1,280

To$1,372

↑ $92.00

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,464

↑ $74.00

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,803

↑ $143

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,181

↑ $191

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$2,209

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Providence

$241K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 79% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$153

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.