Question 1

Is Philadelphia or Providence cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Providence, RI is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $22/month less than in Philadelphia, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,810/mo in Philadelphia versus $1,729/mo in Providence.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Philadelphia vs Providence?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,000/year before tax in Philadelphia, PA and $79,000/year in Providence, RI — a difference of about $5,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Philadelphia or Providence cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Providence, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,690/month in Philadelphia and $9,658/month in Providence, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Philadelphia or Providence?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Providence costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Philadelphia53	Providence63
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,304	$4,282
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,690	$9,658
Salary for comfort	$84,000/yr	$79,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,810	$1,729
Median home value	$232,400	$322,800
Median household income	$60,698	$66,772
Unemployment	4.9%	3.9%
Housing score	45	39
Jobs score	55	49
Safety score	4	66
Climate score	100	90
Amenities score	46	44
Population	1.6M	190.2K
Summer high / winter low	87° / 29°	83° / 21°

Philadelphia, PA vs Providence, RI