Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Providence, RI (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

New York is 68% more expensive than Providence.

$1,779/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
$79,713/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 16%
$751,700 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 57%
$1,837/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 20%
8,516,202
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $12,941/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Providence — common questions

Is New York or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Providence?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Providence?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $12,941/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Rhode Island?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Providence details →

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