Cost of Living in Providence, RI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,237 (excluding rent), and $3,195 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,446 (excluding rent), and $5,500 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.90 $18.90

$14.92 $14.92

$39.80 $39.80

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.6 $99.6

$69.7 $69.7

$179 $179

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.14 $13.14

$10.10 $10.10

$15.16 $15.16

Cappuccino

$4.39 $4.39

$3.90 $3.90

$5.85 $5.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.69 $2.69

$1.96 $1.96

$3.43 $3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.79 $1.79

$3.07 $3.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.08 $6.08

$4.05 $4.05

$8.10 $8.10

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.39 $7.39

$5.91 $5.91

$11.82 $11.82

Milk (1 liter)

$1.38 $1.38

$0.80 $0.80

$2.29 $2.29

White Bread (500g)

$3.46 $3.46

$2.84 $2.84

$6.18 $6.18

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.06 $3.06

$1.99 $1.99

$8.78 $8.78

Eggs

$5.41 $5.41

$2.09 $2.09

$9.09 $9.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.55 $10.55

$3.93 $3.93

$19.48 $19.48

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.90 $9.90

$4.51 $4.51

$20.37 $20.37

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.84 $17.84

$8.95 $8.95

$29.16 $29.16

Apples (1kg)

$4.79 $4.79

$2.23 $2.23

$8.17 $8.17

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 $1.47

$0.88 $0.88

$2.44 $2.44

Oranges (1kg)

$4.66 $4.66

$2.17 $2.17

$19.59 $19.59

Tomato (1kg)

$5.01 $5.01

$2.23 $2.23

$15.80 $15.80

Potato (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.71 $1.71

$6.51 $6.51

Onion (1kg)

$3.43 $3.43

$2.16 $2.16

$4.34 $4.34

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.15 $3.15

$1.23 $1.23

$5.89 $5.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$0.99 $0.99

$2.47 $2.47

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.88 $10.88

$10.39 $10.39

$15.46 $15.46

Wine (Bottle)

$13.77 $13.77

$9.95 $9.95

$19.90 $19.90

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.77 $1.77

$2.92 $2.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.48 $1.48

$7.87 $7.87

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$71.1 $71.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.92 $3.92

$9.79 $9.79

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.00 $2.00

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$27.77 $27.77

$25.24 $25.24

$30.29 $30.29

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.91 $0.91

$0.81 $0.81

$1.10 $1.10

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.3K $30.3K

$23.9K $23.9K

$37.0K $37.0K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.2K $25.2K

$26.4K $26.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$318 $318

$249 $249

$399 $399

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$58.4 $58.4

$30.22 $30.22

$201 $201

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.4 $65.4

$50.3 $50.3

$111 $111

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$62.9 $62.9

$29.95 $29.95

$89.9 $89.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$60.9 $60.9

Cinema Ticket

$14.84 $14.84

$12.08 $12.08

$17.44 $17.44

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,515 $1,515

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$27.9K $27.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.6 $51.6

$39.29 $39.29

$68.8 $68.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.40 $32.40

$24.92 $24.92

$59.8 $59.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$66.3 $66.3

$45.06 $45.06

$200 $200

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$82.0 $82.0

$44.26 $44.26

$164 $164

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,140 $2,140

$1,889 $1,889

$2,585 $2,585

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,746 $1,746

$1,604 $1,604

$1,905 $1,905

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,748 $2,748

$2,458 $2,458

$3,146 $3,146

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,190 $2,190

$1,471 $1,471

$2,745 $2,745

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,330 $3,330

$3,144 $3,144

$3,492 $3,492

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,376 $3,376

$3,240 $3,240

$3,598 $3,598

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,696 $3,696

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.45

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 1, 2026

Providence, RI Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Providence, RI - Frequently Asked Questions

In many ways, Providence offers a practical balance of culture, access, and value that suits travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The Cost of Living in Providence, RI, United States sits between smaller college towns and pricier metro hubs, giving you room to allocate funds toward housing, food, and experiences. You’ll find a mix of walkable neighborhoods with affordable apartments and newer units nearer the riverfront or downtown. Seasonal events, a strong arts scene, and diverse dining add richness without forcing you into the most expensive districts. Tip: map your priorities by neighborhood and choose a base that suits your pace and work needs.

Start with a half-dozen neighborhoods to compare pace and proximity to work or co-working spaces. You'll notice a spectrum of options from historic, walkable townhouses to modern rentals, with a focus on neighborhood flavor. In the East Side and Downcity you'll pay a premium for convenience, while areas like Olneyville can offer more space and value without sacrificing access. Food options range from farmers markets to ethnic eateries and casual bistros. Public transit via RIPTA keeps trips predictable, and walking or cycling is very feasible in many parts. Providence, RI, United States living cost frames what to expect across neighborhoods. Tip: schedule short, repeated visits to test daily routines.

You can build a simple budgeting framework around four practical buckets: housing, essentials, transit and routines, plus leisure. Start by choosing a neighborhood that aligns with your pace and daily needs – walkable upland districts for coffee spots, or riverfront areas for longer days at the desk. Winters bring heating considerations and fewer outdoor options, summers host festivals and longer strolls. Save by cooking at home, shopping seasonal produce, and using public transit or bikes for errands. Test pay-as-you-go plans for coworking or shared offices before committing. Tip: map a monthly plan with flexible allowances for activities and seasonal shifts.