Is Portland, OR cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 3.8% cheaper than Providence, RI. This translates to saving $282 per month.

What salary do I need in Portland, OR to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $146,614.75 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 9.3% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Providence, RI to Portland, OR?

Moving from Providence, RI to Portland, OR could save you approximately $282 per month, or $3385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Portland, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $282/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.6K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$282

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.4K

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Portland, OR

Category	Providence, RI	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $399more	9.3%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $271more	16.4%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$475/mo	↓ $206less	30.3%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $61.71more	3.7%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$663/mo	↓ $44.97less	6.4%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $41.65more	4.1%

Housing

↑ 9.3%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$399

Other

↑ 16.4%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$271

All Utilities

↓ 30.3%

Providence, RI

$682

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$206

less

Transportation

↑ 3.7%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$61.71

Healthcare

↓ 6.4%

Providence, RI

$708

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$44.97

less

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$41.65

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$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$1,372

To$1,555

↑ $183

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,655

↑ $191

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,900

↑ $97.00

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$2,590

↑ $409

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$522

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Portland

$430K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 24% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $9.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$756

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.0%

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

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.