Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 27.3% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $2050 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $174,597.977 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 75.1% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Providence, RI to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $2050 more per month than Providence, RI, or $24598 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Seattle, WA: 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 $2.0K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.6K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 27.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,050

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.6K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Seattle, WA

Category	Providence, RI	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $3,232more	75.1%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $321more	19.4%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $239more	14.4%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$481/mo	↓ $201less	29.4%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$824/mo	↑ $116more	16.4%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $51.64more	5.0%

Housing

↑ 75.1%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$3,232

Other

↑ 19.4%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$321

Transportation

↑ 14.4%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$239

All Utilities

↓ 29.4%

Providence, RI

$682

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$201

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.4%

Providence, RI

$708

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$116

Groceries

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$51.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$2,180

↑ $808

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$2,260

↑ $796

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$2,630

↑ $827

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$3,440

↑ $1,259

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$3,759

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Seattle

$430K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 88% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$537

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.3%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.