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Portland vs Providence

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Providence is 14% cheaper than Portland overall.Portland has a cost of living index of 133 vs Providence at 115 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Providence costs 53% less.

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Portland
OR
133
COLI index
VS
Providence
RI
115
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryPortlandProvidenceDifference
Overall COLI133115-14%
Housing198148-25%
Groceries110106-4%
Transport112105-6%
Healthcare105108+3%
Utilities86132+53%

Median 1BR Rent

Portland
$1,650/mo
Providence
$1,650/mo

Median Home Price

Portland
$495,000
Providence
$345,000

Median Household Income

Portland
$82,795
Providence
$50,240

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Frequently Asked Questions

Providence is cheaper to live in overall. Portland has a cost of living index of 133 while Providence has an index of 115, where 100 represents the US national average. Providence is 14% cheaper than Portland overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Portland is $1,650 per month compared to $1,650 in Providence. The median home price in Portland is $495,000 versus $345,000 in Providence. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Portland has a cost of living index of 133 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 Portland, multiply by 0.86. For example a $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to approximately $64,850 in Providence.

Portland has a median household income of $82,795 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 Portland to Providence is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Providence is 14% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. 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.