Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Providence is 32% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $50,926 in Providence.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Rhode Island salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Providence sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $310,000 in Providence, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,500 in Providence.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Providence scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Providence (112).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $47,012 in Providence. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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