Is Elizabeth, NJ cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Elizabeth, NJ is 21.5% cheaper than Providence, RI. This translates to saving $1612 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $130,659.725 in Elizabeth, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Elizabeth, NJ is 53.6% cheaper than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Moving from Providence, RI to Elizabeth, NJ could save you approximately $1612 per month, or $19340 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Elizabeth, NJ: 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 save $1.6K/month moving to Elizabeth, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.7K in Elizabeth, NJ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 21.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,612

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.3K

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

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(21% below avg)

Median Home:$501K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Elizabeth, NJ

Category	Providence, RI	Elizabeth, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$1,998/mo	↓ $2,306less	53.6%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,989/mo	↑ $335more	20.2%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$590/mo	↓ $91.35less	13.4%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $90.04less	5.4%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $61.68more	6.0%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$682/mo	↓ $26.41less	3.7%

Housing

↓ 53.6%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Difference

$2,306

less

Other

↑ 20.2%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Difference

$335

All Utilities

↓ 13.4%

Providence, RI

$682

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Difference

$91.35

less

Transportation

↓ 5.4%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Difference

$90.04

less

Groceries

↑ 6.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Difference

$61.68

Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Providence, RI

$708

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Difference

$26.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$1,231

↓ $141

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,390

↓ $74.00

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,682

↓ $121

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$2,108

↓ $73.00

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/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

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$2,118

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Elizabeth

$430K

Median Value

$501K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.6%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$495K - $565K

Homes in Elizabeth are 16% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Elizabeth

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $988

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.29

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

Elizabeth, 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

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Elizabeth, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 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.