Is Providence, RI cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 40.3% more expensive than Rochester, NY. This translates to spending an extra $3025 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $186,303.722 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Providence, RI is 104.2% more expensive than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

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

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $3025 more per month than Rochester, NY, or $36304 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Providence, RI: 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 Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.3K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,025

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

140

(40% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, NY vs Providence, RI

Category	Rochester, NY	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,108/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $2,196more	104.2%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $345more	26.2%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$708/mo	↑ $160more	29.3%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $83.82less	4.8%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$682/mo	↑ $50.80more	8.1%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $1.24less	0.1%

Housing

↑ 104.2%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$2,196

Transportation

↑ 26.2%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$345

Healthcare

↑ 29.3%

Rochester, NY

$548

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$160

Other

↓ 4.8%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$83.82

less

All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Rochester, NY

$631

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$50.80

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$1.24

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$1,372

↑ $215

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,464

↑ $155

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,803

↑ $170

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$2,181

↑ $213

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/mo

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$2,667

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Providence

$198K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 118% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$258

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.