Is Boston, MA cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 10.3% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $773 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $159,273.829 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 22.6% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $773 more per month than Providence, RI, or $9274 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Boston, MA: 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 Providence, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $773/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$773

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

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

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$430K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

110

(10% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K residents.

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Boston, MA

Category	Providence, RI	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $971more	22.6%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $171more	10.3%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $170more	10.3%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $51.64more	5.0%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$743/mo	↑ $35.58more	5.0%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$716/mo	↑ $34.25more	5.0%

Housing

↑ 22.6%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$971

Transportation

↑ 10.3%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$171

Other

↑ 10.3%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$170

Groceries

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$51.64

Healthcare

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$708

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$35.58

All Utilities

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$682

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$34.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$3,095

↑ $1,723

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$3,255

↑ $1,791

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$3,865

↑ $2,062

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$4,630

↑ $2,449

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,434

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Boston

$430K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 123% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$88.08

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.