Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
St. Paul is 9% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $68,182 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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