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New York City vs Providence

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Providence is 39% cheaper than New York City overall.New York City has a cost of living index of 187 vs Providence at 115 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing New York City costs 56% more.

Pierre
Built by Pierre — MBA, Business Strategist & AI Consultant, Founder of DayblipAbout the author →
New York City
NY
187
COLI index
VS
Providence
RI
115
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryNew York CityProvidenceDifference
Overall COLI187115-39%
Housing340148-56%
Groceries115106-8%
Transport109105-4%
Healthcare103108+5%
Utilities131132+1%

Median 1BR Rent

New York City
$3,700/mo
Providence
$1,650/mo

Median Home Price

New York City
$750,000
Providence
$345,000

Median Household Income

New York City
$70,663
Providence
$50,240

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Frequently Asked Questions

Providence is cheaper to live in overall. New York City has a cost of living index of 187 while Providence has an index of 115, where 100 represents the US national average. Providence is 39% cheaper than New York City overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in New York City is $3,700 per month compared to $1,650 in Providence. The median home price in New York City is $750,000 versus $345,000 in Providence. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

New York City has a cost of living index of 187 and Providence has an index of 115, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in New York City, multiply by 0.61. For example a $75,000 salary in New York City is equivalent to approximately $46,123 in Providence.

New York City has a median household income of $70,663 per year versus $50,240 in Providence. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from New York City to Providence is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Providence is 39% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.