Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Providence is 9% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $68,182 in Providence.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Rhode Island salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Providence sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $310,000 in Providence, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,500 in Providence.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Providence scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are lower than Providence (112).
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $47,012 in Providence. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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