The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Boston | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 158 | 124 | -34 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $2,250 | $1,750 | -$500 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,850 | $2,300 | -$550 |
| Median household income | $76,321 | $54,234 | -$22,087 |
| Population | 692,600 | 177,994 | -514,606 |
What salary you'd need in Providence
To maintain your Boston purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Providence.
Boston vs Providence: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Boston's cost-of-living index of 158 runs roughly 21.5% higher than Providence's 124. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boston averages $2,250/month, vs $1,750/month in Providence — a -$500 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$550/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $6,000 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Boston is $76,321, while Providence runs $54,234 (-$22,087 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Boston is in Massachusetts and Providence is in Rhode Island, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.