CostIndexUSA

Providence, RI vs Springfield, MO Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

RI
Providence
101.8
overall index
$2,075/mo rent
More AffordableMO
Springfield
88.6
overall index
$1,275/mo rent

Springfield is moderately cheaper than Providence — 13.0% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Providence, you would need $69,600 in Springfield. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing36.9%
Providence
103.9
Springfield
65.6
🛒 Groceries3.0%
Providence
97.1
Springfield
94.2
🚗 Transportation9.0%
Providence
107.4
Springfield
97.7
🏥 Healthcare9.1%
Providence
97.2
Springfield
88.4
Utilities42.3%
Providence
148.8
Springfield
85.8

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Providence to see what you'd need to earn in Springfield to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Springfield, MO
$69,600
$10,400 less needed in Springfield

Formula: salary × (88.6 ÷ 101.8) = salary × 0.8703. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Providence, RI

Median Home Price
$501,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,075
Housing Index
103.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.1×

Springfield, MO

Median Home Price
$260,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,275
Housing Index
65.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.0×

Providence has 36.9% lower housing costs compared to Springfield.

Income & Job Market

Providence, RI

Median Household Income
$83,300
Per Capita Income
$47,500
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Population
190,934
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturingTourism

Springfield, MO

Median Household Income
$62,900
Per Capita Income
$35,900
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Population
167,882
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingRetailFinance

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Providence, RI
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Springfield, MO
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.