Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Providence is 5% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,333/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 5%
$66,772/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 15%
$322,800 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 22%
$1,467/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ≈ Same
190,214
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $10,188/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Providence or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $10,188/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Connecticut?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Bridgeport details →

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