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San Francisco vs Providence

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Providence is 49% cheaper than San Francisco overall.San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 vs Providence at 115 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Francisco costs 66% more.

Pierre
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San Francisco
CA
225
COLI index
VS
Providence
RI
115
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan FranciscoProvidenceDifference
Overall COLI225115-49%
Housing435148-66%
Groceries119106-11%
Transport118105-11%
Healthcare108108Same
Utilities125132+6%

Median 1BR Rent

San Francisco
$3,200/mo
Providence
$1,650/mo

Median Home Price

San Francisco
$1,290,000
Providence
$345,000

Median Household Income

San Francisco
$136,689
Providence
$50,240

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Frequently Asked Questions

Providence is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while Providence has an index of 115, where 100 represents the US national average. Providence is 49% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $1,650 in Providence. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $345,000 in Providence. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 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 San Francisco, multiply by 0.51. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $38,333 in Providence.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 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 San Francisco to Providence is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Providence is 49% 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.