Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 101.8 in Providence, RI in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 6.4% more expensive than Providence; housing rents differ by 43% (148.4 vs 103.9). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $70,502 buys in Providence, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Providence | Boston vs Providence |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 101.8 | +6.4% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 97.1 | +2.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 103.9 | +42.9% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 148.8 | -0.0% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 102.3 | +1.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 103.7 | +3.9% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Providence | $47,001 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Providence | $94,003 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Providence | $141,004 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.