Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Wilmington is 6% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $70,227 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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