Boston, MA vs Providence, RI: Cost of Living Comparison
Providence has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Providence | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 96 | Providence |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 93 ($933) | Providence |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Boston |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 89 ($365) | Providence |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 97 ($167) | Providence |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 97 ($121) | Providence |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 117 ($56,780) | Providence |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or Providence, RI cheaper to live in?
Providence, RI is cheaper overall by about 62 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Providence, RI: 96; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Providence, RI?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $33,600/year in Providence, RI to cover basic living costs.