Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Providence is 59% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,333/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 106%
$66,772/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 89%
$322,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 222%
$1,467/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 80%
190,214
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,409/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $16,908/year.

Median household income is $59,697/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Providence or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Cambridge?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,409/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Cambridge?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $59,697/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Massachusetts?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Cambridge details →

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