Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Philadelphia is 4% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $72,273 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Rhode Island salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Providence sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $310,000 in Providence, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,500 in Providence.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Providence scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are lower than Providence (112).
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $47,012 in Providence. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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