Cranston, RI vs Providence, RI

Cranston, RI and Providence, RI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Cranston scores 105 while Providence scores 102 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cranston is $1,332/month compared to $1,333/month in Providence — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Cranston has cheaper rent, Providence actually has lower median home values ($322,800 vs $348,800).

Median household income in Cranston is $87,716 compared to $66,772 in Providence (+31.4%). While Cranston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cranston spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in Providence.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 52.1°F). Providence receives more rainfall at 47.5" per year compared to 47.5" in Cranston.