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Providence-Warwick, RI-MA

Cost of living in Providence, Rhode Island

Providence County, RI

Part of the Providence Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,080/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 658,977 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $925 30%
Federal tax $583 19%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $359 12%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $215 7%
State tax $143 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Providence

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$938
per month
1 bedroom
$925
per month
2 bedroom
$1,305
per month
3 bedroom
$1,511
per month
4 bedroom
$1,584
per month

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Income and earnings in Providence

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$78,204
per year
Individual earnings
$45,718
per year
Per capita
$40,689
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Providence

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$339,100
Annual property tax
$4,661

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Providence

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$151
per month · 27.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$64
per month
Annual total
$2,580
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Providence

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.3%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Providence

State and local tax rates for Rhode Island.

State income tax
6.0%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
7.0%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Providence

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
25.6 min
Drive alone
72.7%
Public transit
2.5%
Work from home
10.9%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Providence

What it costs to live in Providence each month.

Single person
$3,080
per month
  • Rent $925
  • Energy $215
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $359
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $583
  • State tax $143
Couple
$4,702
per month
  • Rent $1,305
  • Energy $258
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $595
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $950
  • State tax $245
Family
$7,076
per month
  • Rent $1,511
  • Energy $322
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $903
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $950
  • State tax $245

Frequently asked questions about Providence

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Providence?

In Providence, Rhode Island, a one-bedroom apartment averages $925 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,305 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,511 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Providence?

In Providence, Rhode Island, the average household income is $78,204 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $45,718 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Providence?

The estimated cost of living in Providence, Rhode Island is approximately $3,080 per month for a single person, $4,702 for a couple, $7,076 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Providence?

The combined sales tax rate in Providence, Rhode Island is 7.00%, which includes the Rhode Island state rate of 7.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Providence an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Providence, Rhode Island would need approximately $3,080 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $78,204 per year ($6,517 per month). Providence is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Providence?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Providence, Rhode Island is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Providence?

The average home value in Providence, Rhode Island is $339,100, with average annual property taxes of $4,661, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Providence compare to other areas?

You can compare Providence, Rhode Island with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Providence is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area.

Other counties in Rhode Island

Browse the full list of counties in Rhode Island, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Rhode Island

Compare Providence with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources