Is Providence, RI cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 23.3% more expensive than Springfield, MA. This translates to spending an extra $1750 per month.

What salary do I need in Providence, RI to live like I do in Springfield, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $170,995.608 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, MA and Providence, RI?

Housing in Providence, RI is 23.3% more expensive than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Springfield, MA to Providence, RI?

Living in Providence, RI costs approximately $1750 more per month than Springfield, MA, or $20996 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA 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 Springfield, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.0K in Providence, RI

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

Overall Cost

↑ 23.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,750

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$21.0K

Per year

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$294K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

123

(23% above avg)

Median Home:$430K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K 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: Springfield, MA vs Providence, RI

Category	Springfield, MA	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$4,304/mo	↑ $814more	23.3%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,659/mo	↑ $314more	23.3%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,654/mo	↑ $313more	23.3%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,028/mo	↑ $102more	11.1%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$708/mo	↑ $70.46more	11.1%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$682/mo	↑ $67.84more	11.1%

Housing

↑ 23.3%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$814

Transportation

↑ 23.3%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$314

Other

↑ 23.3%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$313

Groceries

↑ 11.1%

Springfield, MA

$925

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$102

Healthcare

↑ 11.1%

Springfield, MA

$637

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$70.46

All Utilities

↑ 11.1%

Springfield, MA

$614

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$67.84

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$1,372

↑ $563

1 Bed

From$915

To$1,464

↑ $549

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,803

↑ $653

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,181

↑ $772

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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.

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$1,682

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Providence

$294K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 46% more expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$88.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.