Is New York, NY cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 24.4% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $1828 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $171,932.908 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in New York, NY is 77.7% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Living in New York, NY costs approximately $1828 more per month than Providence, RI, or $21933 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs New York, NY: 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 $1.8K/month more in New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.9K in New York, NY

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

Overall Cost

↑ 24.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,828

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$21.9K

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

124

(24% above avg)

Median Home:$1.05M

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs New York, NY

Category	Providence, RI	New York, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $3,344more	77.7%
Other	$1,654/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $380more	23.0%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $138more	13.4%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$600/mo	↓ $81.59less	12.0%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $57.13less	3.4%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$688/mo	↓ $20.18less	2.9%

Housing

↑ 77.7%

Providence, RI

$4,304

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$3,344

Other

↑ 23.0%

Providence, RI

$1,654

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$380

Groceries

↑ 13.4%

Providence, RI

$1,028

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$138

All Utilities

↓ 12.0%

Providence, RI

$682

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$81.59

less

Transportation

↓ 3.4%

Providence, RI

$1,659

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$57.13

less

Healthcare

↓ 2.9%

Providence, RI

$708

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$20.18

less

🏛️ 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$1,372

To$3,120

↑ $1,748

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$3,270

↑ $1,806

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$3,590

↑ $1,787

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$4,500

↑ $2,319

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$3,702

Difference

Home Values

Providence

New York

$430K

Median Value

$1.05M

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 144% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$258

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.