Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 28.7% cheaper than Providence, RI. This translates to saving $2156 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $124,131.127 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Rochester, NY is 51.0% cheaper than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Moving from Providence, RI to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $2156 per month, or $25869 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Rochester, 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 save $2.2K/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.1K in Rochester, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,156

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.9K

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(29% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Rochester, NY

Category	Providence, RI	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $2,196less	51.0%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $345less	20.8%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$548/mo	↓ $160less	22.6%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,738/mo	↑ $83.82more	5.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$631/mo	↓ $50.80less	7.5%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $1.24more	0.1%

Housing

↓ 51.0%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$2,196

less

Transportation

↓ 20.8%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$345

less

Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Providence, RI

$708

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$160

less

Other

↑ 5.1%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$83.82

All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Providence, RI

$682

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$50.80

less

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$1.24

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$1,157

↓ $215

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,309

↓ $155

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,633

↓ $170

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$1,968

↓ $213

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/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

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$2,667

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Rochester

$430K

Median Value

$198K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 54% less expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Rochester, 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%

Rochester, 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.