Pawtucket, RI vs Providence, RI

Pawtucket is moderately more affordable than Providence, with a 8.3% lower cost of living index. Pawtucket scores 94 compared to 102 for Providence, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Providence can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Pawtucket is $1,152/month compared to $1,333/month in Providence — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pawtucket is more affordable at $286,200 median vs $322,800.

Median household income in Pawtucket is $67,436 compared to $66,772 in Providence (+1%). Pawtucket offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Pawtucket spend roughly 20.5% 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 Pawtucket.