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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Providence is 4% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,333/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 8%
$66,772/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 19%
$322,800 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 23%
$1,467/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 4%
190,214
Population
132,893

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
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $13,001/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs New Haven — common questions

Is Providence or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and New Haven?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or New Haven?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $13,001/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 New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View New Haven details →

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