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Seattle vs Providence

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Providence is 23% cheaper than Seattle overall.Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 vs Providence at 115 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Providence costs 48% less.

Pierre
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Seattle
WA
150
COLI index
VS
Providence
RI
115
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySeattleProvidenceDifference
Overall COLI150115-23%
Housing248148-40%
Groceries111106-5%
Transport114105-8%
Healthcare107108+1%
Utilities89132+48%

Median 1BR Rent

Seattle
$2,100/mo
Providence
$1,650/mo

Median Home Price

Seattle
$755,000
Providence
$345,000

Median Household Income

Seattle
$105,391
Providence
$50,240

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Frequently Asked Questions

Providence is cheaper to live in overall. Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 while Providence has an index of 115, where 100 represents the US national average. Providence is 23% cheaper than Seattle overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Seattle is $2,100 per month compared to $1,650 in Providence. The median home price in Seattle is $755,000 versus $345,000 in Providence. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 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 Seattle, multiply by 0.77. For example a $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to approximately $57,500 in Providence.

Seattle has a median household income of $105,391 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 Seattle to Providence is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Providence is 23% 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.