Providence, RI vs Worcester, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
Providence has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Providence | Worcester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 96 | 98 | Providence |
| Housing | 93 ($933) | 98 ($991) | Providence |
| Transportation | 108 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Worcester |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 90 ($369) | Providence |
| Utilities | 97 ($167) | 99 ($176) | Providence |
| Healthcare | 97 ($121) | 99 ($127) | Providence |
| Median annual wage | 117 ($56,780) | 131 ($63,590) | Providence |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence, RI or Worcester, MA cheaper to live in?
Providence, RI is cheaper overall by about 2 index points (Providence, RI: 96, Worcester, MA: 98; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Providence, RI vs Worcester, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $33,600/year in Providence, RI and $34,300/year in Worcester, MA to cover basic living costs.