Providence-Warwick, RI Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Providence-Warwick, RI metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Providence-Warwick
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Providence-Warwick, RI metropolitan area run 3.0% above the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 103.0 on a base of 100). That puts Providence-Warwick close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Rhode Island household — see the Rhode Island state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Providence-Warwick, RI?
The Providence-Warwick, RI metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 103.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 3.0% above the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Providence-Warwick an affordable place to live?
Providence-Warwick, RI has an InflationRank score of 72/100 (grade C-), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 103.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Providence-Warwick compare to other cities for cost of living?
Providence-Warwick, RI has a cost-of-living index of 103.0 (U.S.=100), 3.0% above the national average. Similar-cost metros include Manchester-Nashua, NH (RPP 103.0), Austin-Round Rock, TX (RPP 103.5).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →