Cost of Living in Providence County, Rhode Island
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Providence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Providence County ranks #2,783 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Providence County, Rhode Island
Providence's affordability challenge deepens
With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%, Providence County renters spend nearly one-fifth of gross income on housing—above national comfort levels. The county's median household income of $78,204 is only slightly above the national median of $74,755, limiting the financial cushion many households enjoy.
Second-least affordable county statewide
Providence County ranks fourth among Rhode Island's five counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%—2.1 points above the state average. Only Newport County faces a steeper housing burden for renters.
Lower rents, lower incomes than others
Providence's median rent of $1,242 is below the state average of $1,362, yet its median household income of $78,204 trails every other county significantly. This lower-wage environment means Providence renters, despite paying less rent, spend a higher share of income on housing.
Providence's income-to-housing mismatch
Renters pay $1,242 monthly while homeowners spend $1,712, together consuming about 31% of household income—the state's highest proportion. The median home value of $339,100 reflects moderate market conditions in Rhode Island's most populous county.
Providence requires careful budget planning
Providence County offers lower rents than Newport and Washington counties, but wage levels lag significantly, making housing a tighter budget item. If you're relocating for work, compare your job offer carefully against the 19.1% rent-to-income burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Providence County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Providence County is affordable. The median rent is $1,242/month against a median household income of $78,204, putting rent at 19.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Providence County is $1,242/month, while owner costs run $1,712/month. Renting saves approximately $470/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $73,371/year. With a median household income of $78,204, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Providence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Rhode Island, Providence County is less affordable than Washington County by roughly 5% ($1,242/mo vs $1,303/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Providence County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,825
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.3%
of gross income
The median home in Providence County may be a stretch
Median home value is $339,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,707 vs. your max of $1,825.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Providence County, Rhode Island?
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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