salaryProvidence is the largest city in Rhode Island that we track, with 191,767 residents. Rent is higher than in 67% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 4.9 years of household income. Most households rent (59%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $78,560 a year. That is $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Rhode Island cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Rhode Island. It is number 11 of 15 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Providence with other big cities
Compare Providence to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Providence?
Share of households by yearly income. 24.3% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Providence
| Size | Providence | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,173 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,146 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,603 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,925 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,580 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Providence overall?
Everyday prices in the Providence-Warwick metro area are 2% above the U.S. average (index 101.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Providence
Life in Providence
What jobs pay in Providence
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $139,930 | 16.8% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,520 | 17.4% |
| Lawyer | $133,000 | 17.7% |
| Pharmacist | $130,840 | 18.0% |
| Software Developer | $130,690 | 18.0% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $128,580 | 18.3% |
| Operations Manager | $110,360 | 21.4% |
| Registered Nurse | $99,880 | 23.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $99,310 | 23.7% |
| Accountant | $95,020 | 24.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $89,310 | 26.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $86,720 | 27.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $83,960 | 28.1% |
| Plumber | $79,820 | 29.5% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,990 | 29.8% |
| Police Officer | $76,850 | 30.7% |
| Electrician | $73,980 | 31.9% |
| HVAC Technician | $67,380 | 35.0% |
| Firefighter | $66,150 | 35.6% |
| Carpenter | $61,910 | 38.1% |
| Truck Driver | $60,610 | 38.9% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,170 | 50.0% |
| Medical Assistant | $47,020 | 50.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,330 | 50.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,370 | 58.4% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,460 | 62.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,750 | 65.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,230 | 66.9% |
| Cashier | $34,540 | 68.2% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Providence?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $549 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $362,200 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $36,220 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Providence, RI?
Renting in Providence costs a median of about $1,964 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Rhode Island median is $1,704.
How much do I need to make to live in Providence?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $78,560 a year, or $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Providence cheap or expensive?
Providence is rated Expensive: rent takes 32.1% of the typical household income of $73,466. It ranks 11th cheapest of 15 Rhode Island cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Providence?
The median homeowner in Providence pays $4,418 a year in property taxes, about 1.22% of the median home value.
Is Providence more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 2% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Providence?
The median home value in Providence is $362,200, about 4.9 times the typical yearly household income.
191,767 people live in Providence. Numbers are typical (middle) values.