Is Providence, RI cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Providence, RI is 0.2% cheaper than Worcester, MA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $149,777.802 in Providence, RI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Providence, RI is 0.2% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,803/month in Providence, RI compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI could save you approximately $19 per month, or $222 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, 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 Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $18.52/month moving to Providence, RI

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Providence, RI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$18.52

Savings

Annual Impact

$222

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$430K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K 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: Worcester, MA vs Providence, RI

Category	Worcester, MA	Providence, RI	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$4,304/mo	↓ $10.65less	0.2%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,659/mo	↓ $4.11less	0.2%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $4.09less	0.2%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,028/mo	↓ $1.27less	0.1%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$708/mo	↓ $0.88less	0.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$682/mo	↓ $0.84less	0.1%

Housing

↓ 0.2%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Providence, RI

$4,304

Difference

$10.65

less

Transportation

↓ 0.2%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Providence, RI

$1,659

Difference

$4.11

less

Other

↓ 0.2%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Providence, RI

$1,654

Difference

$4.09

less

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Providence, RI

$1,028

Difference

$1.27

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.1%

Worcester, MA

$709

Providence, RI

$708

Difference

$0.88

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.1%

Worcester, MA

$682

Providence, RI

$682

Difference

$0.84

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,372

↑ $97.00

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,464

↑ $182

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,803

↑ $158

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,181

↑ $142

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$21.84

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Providence

$410K

Median Value

$430K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.5%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$403K - $769K

Homes in Providence are 5% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester 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

Worcester, 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

Worcester, 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.