Living in Providence, RI: 19 Facts About Life in the “Creative Capital”

Providence is a small city situated in a small state, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in offerings. In fact, living in Providence, RI, means experiencing a friendly, small-town feel with the culture of a big city. Along with a thriving arts community, Providence has abundant educational and professional opportunities, and an interesting history to boot.

Before we dig into what we think you should know about living in Providence, RI, here are a few quick facts to get you familiar with the city.

Providence at a Glance

• Providence is the capital of Rhode Island, and it’s in Providence County at the head of Narragansett Bay.
• Providence has a total land area of around 18.4 square miles.
• Providence has a population of 196,700.
• The median age of Providence is approximately 32.8 years old.

1. The Cost of Living in Providence, RI, Is Somewhat High

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, for a family of four (two children and two adults) with at least one working adult to cover basic needs while living in Providence, RI, the required annual income after taxes is almost $79,500. For a single young adult or retiree, that income is closer to $41,300 after taxes.

• The overall cost of living in Providence, RI, is 108.8, just above the national index of 100 and just below the state average of 112.5.
• For comparison, that is much lower than Boston, the city’s neighbor to the northeast, which sits at 150.8, and even the state of Massachusetts, which sits at 127.5.
• You can expect to pay about the same living in Connecticut, though, where the cost of living index is 111.8.

The weather in Providence is often considered a pro and a con — a balance between nice, temperate summers and bitterly cold winter months.

2. Providence Has Rich History To Explore

Providence was first founded in 1636, and it went on to become a vital part of both the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution. History Buffs can find plenty of reasons to enjoy living in the city, with easy access to some of the city's historical attractions, including the Stephen Hopkins House and the John Brown House Museum.

3. Lots of People Like Living in Providence, RI

As with all places, there are pros and cons of living in Providence, RI. An example of both a pro and a con is Providence’s population compared to its size. Due to the relatively large number of people in Providence and the city’s population growth rates, you may find it a little cramped when you're out and about in the town. If you are looking for a quiet and private evening out, you may not always find it in Providence — but you’ll probably find a good time!

Restaurants, attractions, and local streets will typically be busy, so you will need to factor in traffic when heading to work or traveling. This isn’t so different from other major cities, though, so it shouldn’t be too much of a difference if you’re moving from another metro.

4. Providence Is an Ideal Location for Travelers

Interested in living in Providence, RI, but want to explore other parts of New England in your spare time? Good news! In Rhode Island, you’re a short road trip away from top destinations and some of the best small towns in Rhode Island. Plus, you’re never more than a 30-minute drive from the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay.

• To Boston: One to two hours, depending on rush hour traffic
• To Hartford: An hour and a half
• To Cape Cod: An hour and 45 minutes
• To Newport: 45 minutes to an hour

5. Providence Has Brutal Winters … but Amazing Summers

The weather in Providence is another one of the pros and cons of living in Providence, RI.

In Rhode Island, the average annual temperature ranges from 48 to 51 degrees Fahrenheit. In January and February, the minimum temperature in most parts of the state is around 19 degrees Fahrenheit. In coastal areas like Providence, it's closer to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Providence also has an average annual snowfall of around 25 to 30 inches.

If you’re moving from somewhere outside New England, that first winter in the city might prove difficult — especially if you’re undergoing a winter move. It might feel nearly impossible to adjust initially, but you’ll know how to weather the cold like a local in no time. The upside is that the weather in Providence is lovely during the summer months, with low humidity and highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Once that warm weather sets in, grab a Del’s Lemonade and let the good times roll.

6. Sustainability Efforts Shine in Providence

While the state of Rhode Island focuses on preserving the environment as a whole, the city of Providence is working individually toward becoming more eco-friendly. The city’s Department of Sustainability has set numerous goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Residents can also make a significant impact on the environment through their participation in the local cycling scene. Not only does the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition help educate the community about the benefits of riding bikes in the state, but they also work with local officials to promote active transportation.

7. Rhode Island’s High Sales Tax Can Be a Pain

One of the drawbacks of living in Providence, RI, is that the state's sales tax rate is higher than the national average. It's tied with Mississippi, Tennessee, and Indiana for second-highest in the nation. And it’s only slightly lower than California's 7.25 percent — the highest in the country.

It’s also important to note that retirees are required to pay certain taxes that may be exempt in other states. In Rhode Island, retirees have to pay taxes on various income sources, including Social Security benefits (but only for citizens who surpass certain limits) and retirement income.

8. The Providence Housing Market Is Relatively Affordable

Providence housing averages around $416,900, which is lower than the state’s average of around $485,300 and only slightly higher than the national average of just over $357,300. Some of the residents in Providence live in the city's historic homes, while others enjoy the city's modern condominiums with beautiful city views.

9. Most Providence Residents Are Renters

Interestingly, 60 percent of Providence housing units are renter-occupied. The average rent in Providence is around $2,525 for all rental types and around $2,350 for a one-bedroom apartment that’s approximately 840 square feet.