Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Philadelphia is 14% cheaper than Providence.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ≈ Same
$60,698/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 10%
$232,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 39%
$1,233/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 19%
1,582,432
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,074/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Providence — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Providence?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Providence?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $6,074/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Rhode Island?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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