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
| Category | Portland | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 133 | 115 | -14% |
| Housing | 198 | 148 | -25% |
| Groceries | 110 | 106 | -4% |
| Transport | 112 | 105 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 105 | 108 | +3% |
| Utilities | 86 | 132 | +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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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.