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Cost of Living in Providence

Is it better to rent or buy in Providence? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$69,792
$1,451/mo

Median in area: $1,451

$408,266

Median in area: $408,266

$81,653

If you Rent

$1,650 /mo
Base Rent$1,451
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income28.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,166

If you Buy

$2,897 /mo
P&I (6.885%)$2,148
Taxes & Ins$550
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income49.8%
Pre-tax Residual$2,919

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Providence?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Providence. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,650, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,897 per month (a difference of $1,247).

How much do utilities cost in Providence?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Providence is approximately $199. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Providence?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Providence without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $66,000 per year.