Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Rochester is 15% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $64,091 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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