Providence, Rhode Island
In Providence, Rhode Island, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.89 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.17 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,095, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Providence's cost-of-living index of 118 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.89
National: $4.06
Avg Rent (All)
$2,095
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
5.27%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$17.17
Combo meal
Electricity
30.14¢
per kWh · ~$271/mo
Car Insurance
$198/mo
$2,380/yr
Median Household Income
$78,204
42.5% goes to essentials
Car Insurance
Avg $2,380 in Providence. Compare rates:
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Some prices above are regional estimates. Submit a receipt from a local store to help us show what Providence residents actually pay.
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Avg rent $2,095/mo in Providence. Browse listings:
Grocery Prices
Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present
National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓
Eggs (dozen)
Bird flu volatility
$2.58 BLS avg
Milk (gallon)
$4.10 BLS avg
Ground Beef (lb)
$6.75 BLS avg
Bread (loaf)
$1.84 BLS avg
Chicken Breast (lb)
$2.04 BLS avg
Butter (lb)
$5.33 BLS avg
Bacon (lb)
$8.46 BLS avg
Cheddar Cheese (lb)
$7.03 BLS avg
Pasta (lb)
$2.10 BLS avg
Rice (5 lb)
$5.59 BLS avg
Coffee (12 oz)
$12.89 BLS avg
Orange Juice (64 oz)
Citrus shortage
$5.77 BLS avg
Potatoes (5 lb)
$5.07 BLS avg
Apples (3 lb)
$5.22 BLS avg
Tomatoes (lb)
$3.14 BLS avg
Lettuce (head)
$2.46 BLS avg
Cooking Oil (48 oz)
$8.60 BLS avg
Yogurt (32 oz)
$5.36 BLS avg
Cereal (family size)
$6.58 BLS avg
Frozen Pizza
$9.40 BLS avg
| Item | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2022 | 2026 | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | — | — | — | — | — | $1.93 | $2.58 | +156.4% |
| Milk (gallon) | — | — | — | — | — | $3.79 | $4.10 | +44.6% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.55 | $6.75 | +354.4% |
| Bread (loaf) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.55 | $1.84 | +104.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.62 | $2.04 | +93.5% |
| Butter (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.41 | $5.33 | +20.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $7.04 | $8.46 | +20.2% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.97 | $7.03 | +17.8% |
| Pasta (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.62 | $2.10 | +29.6% |
| Rice (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.68 | $5.59 | +19.4% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $9.11 | $12.89 | +41.5% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | — | — | — | — | — | $4.24 | $5.77 | +36.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.33 | $5.07 | +17.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.73 | $5.22 | +10.4% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $2.38 | $3.14 | +31.9% |
| Lettuce (head) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.91 | $2.46 | +28.8% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $6.01 | $8.60 | +43.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.32 | $5.36 | +24.1% |
| Cereal (family size) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.20 | $6.58 | +26.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | — | — | — | — | — | $6.65 | $9.40 | +41.4% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$17.17
Casual Dining
$36.46
Monthly Spend
$550.48
+4.86% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $10.65
$17.17
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $12.02
$18.54
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $12.88
$19.23
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $6.24
$8.67
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Providence?
Average 1BR: $1,718/mo · 2BR: $2,472/mo
Local Workforce
2024 · BLS QCEWTotal Jobs
288k
Median Weekly Pay
$1,324
$69k/yr
Top Sector
Education & Health Services
Household vs Worker Pay
$78k
household median
Employment by Sector — Providence
% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend
~$64k/yr
~$90k/yr
~$54k/yr
~$30k/yr
~$109k/yr
Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 44007
Highest Paying Sector
Financial Activities
$2,088/wk · $109k/yr
Most Workers (lowest wage)
Leisure & Hospitality
$580/wk · $30k/yr
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