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Providence vs Indianapolis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Indianapolis is 22% cheaper than Providence overall.Providence has a cost of living index of 115 vs Indianapolis at 90 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Providence costs 39% more.

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Providence
RI
115
COLI index
VS
Indianapolis
IN
90
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryProvidenceIndianapolisDifference
Overall COLI11590-22%
Housing14890-39%
Groceries106100-6%
Transport105101-4%
Healthcare108101-6%
Utilities132104-21%

Median 1BR Rent

Providence
$1,650/mo
Indianapolis
$1,100/mo

Median Home Price

Providence
$345,000
Indianapolis
$220,000

Median Household Income

Providence
$50,240
Indianapolis
$54,261

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Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis is cheaper to live in overall. Providence has a cost of living index of 115 while Indianapolis has an index of 90, where 100 represents the US national average. Indianapolis is 22% cheaper than Providence overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Providence is $1,650 per month compared to $1,100 in Indianapolis. The median home price in Providence is $345,000 versus $220,000 in Indianapolis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Providence has a cost of living index of 115 and Indianapolis has an index of 90, 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 Providence, multiply by 0.78. For example a $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to approximately $58,696 in Indianapolis.

Providence has a median household income of $50,240 per year versus $54,261 in Indianapolis. 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 Providence to Indianapolis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Indianapolis is 22% 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.