Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 15% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $63,409 in Pittsburgh.
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. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Providence sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Providence, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,500 in Providence.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Providence scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Providence (112).
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $47,012 in Providence. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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