Cost of Living in Providence, Rhode Island (2026)
COL Index
108
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,800
per month
Median HHI
$58K
per year
State Tax
6%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Providence |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,800 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,400 |
| Median home price | $370K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 105 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $65 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $75 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $168 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $195 |
| Internet/mo | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $58K |
| State income tax rate | 6.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 108 |
| Walk score / 100 | 72 |
Is Providence affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,528/mo take-home
71% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,910/mo take-home
62% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,493/mo take-home
52% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,366/mo take-home
41% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,657/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$100K
~$5,821/mo take-home
31% rent burden · Manageable
$120K
~$6,555/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
$150K
~$8,194/mo take-home
22% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only