Is Providence, RI cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 11.1% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $835 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $139,982.123 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Providence, RI is 30.7% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Providence, RI could save you approximately $835 per month, or $10018 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $835/month moving to Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Providence, RI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$835

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$430K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Providence, RI

Category	Washington, DC	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,211/mo	$4,304/mo	↓ $1,907less	30.7%
Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,659/mo	↓ $226less	12.0%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$682/mo	↑ $173more	34.1%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $170less	9.3%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$708/mo	↑ $75.94more	12.0%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $51.64less	4.8%

Housing

↓ 30.7%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$1,907

less

Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$226

less

All Utilities

↑ 34.1%

Washington, DC

$508

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$173

Other

↓ 9.3%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$170

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.0%

Washington, DC

$632

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$75.94

Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$51.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,372

↓ $778

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,464

↓ $751

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,803

↓ $667

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,181

↓ $934

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$2,105

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Providence

$556K

Median Value

$430K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 23% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Providence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$392

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.