Cost of living in Providence
Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Providence is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $15 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $60 to $180.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.7 and $4 per liter, averaging $1.47.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $6.01, with an average price of $3.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.07 to $8, averaging $4.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8 per kg, while oranges range from $5 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.07 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.5 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $3, with a monthly pass priced at $70.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.83 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2100, averaging $1920.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1800, averaging $1420.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2100 to $5000, averaging $2564.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2800, averaging $1880.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2960.08 to $3208, averaging $3125.36.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2314.24 to $3208, averaging $2910.08.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $250 and $400, averaging $302.32.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $75, with an average cost of $59.17.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Providence offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Providence are relatively moderate, though some items like fresh produce can vary widely in cost.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Providence can be expensive, particularly in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living in the city.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Providence, RI, reflects its status as a vibrant and historic city with a range of amenities.
While housing and dining can be on the pricier side, especially in the city centre, there are opportunities to find more affordable options in other areas.
Understanding these costs can help potential residents budget effectively and make informed decisions about living in Providence.