Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
St. Louis is 18% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $61,364 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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