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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Providence is 25% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,333/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
$66,772/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 23%
$322,800 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 31%
$1,467/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 13%
190,214
Population
154,751

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 Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $15,433/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Springfield — common questions

Is Providence or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Springfield?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Springfield?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $15,433/year higher in Providence.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Springfield details →

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