Buy vs Rent in Providence, RI (2026)
Median home price $370K · 1BR rent $1,800/mo · Price-to-rent ratio 17.1x.
Median home price
$370K
1BR rent
$1,800/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
17.1x
Verdict
Neutral
Monthly cost of buying — 3 scenarios
30-year mortgage at 7% · Includes property tax, insurance, and maintenance estimates
| 3.5% down (FHA) | 10% down | 20% down (conventional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $12,950 | $37,000 | $74,000 |
| Mortgage (P&I) | $2,375/mo | $2,215/mo | $1,969/mo |
| Property tax (est.) | $339/mo | $339/mo | $339/mo |
| Insurance (est.) | $154/mo | $154/mo | $154/mo |
| Maintenance (est.) | $308/mo | $308/mo | $308/mo |
| Total monthly cost | $3,176vs rent: +$1,376/mo | $3,016vs rent: +$1,216/mo | $2,770vs rent: +$970/mo |
| Income to qualify | $101,786/yr | $94,929/yr | $84,386/yr |
| Break-even (approx.) | ~1 yrs | ~3 yrs | ~6 yrs |
Providence housing context
$58K
Median HH income
per year
$84,386
Income needed (20% down)
per year
+$26K
Affordability gap
vs median income
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy or rent in Providence?
Providence's price-to-rent ratio of 17.1x is in the neutral zone (15-20x). Whether to buy or rent depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and your personal finances.
How much do I need to earn to buy a home in Providence?
With a median home price of $370K in Providence, you'd need an annual income of roughly $84,386 to qualify with 20% down (at 7% rate, 28% housing ratio). With 10% down, you'd need about $94,929/year.
Providence full cost of living breakdownCheaper cities near ProvidenceHow much to retire in ProvidenceCompare mortgage rates
Mortgage at 7% 30-yr fixed · Property tax 1.1% est. · Maintenance 1% est. · Zillow, BLS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only