Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Providence is 28% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $54,276 in Providence.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Washington (105).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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