Is Washington, DC cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 12.5% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $939 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $161,272.631 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 44.3% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Providence, RI to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $939 more per month than Providence, RI, or $11273 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Washington, DC: 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 $939/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.3K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$939

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.3K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

113

(13% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Washington, DC

Category	Providence, RI	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $1,907more	44.3%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $226more	13.6%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$508/mo	↓ $173less	25.4%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $170more	10.3%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$632/mo	↓ $75.94less	10.7%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $51.64more	5.0%

Housing

↑ 44.3%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$1,907

Transportation

↑ 13.6%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$226

All Utilities

↓ 25.4%

Providence, RI

$682

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$173

less

Other

↑ 10.3%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$170

Healthcare

↓ 10.7%

Providence, RI

$708

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$75.94

less

Groceries

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$51.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$2,150

↑ $778

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$2,215

↑ $751

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$2,470

↑ $667

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$3,115

↑ $934

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$2,105

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Washington

$430K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 29% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.7K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$392

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.