CostIndexUSA

Memphis, TN vs Providence, RI Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableTN
Memphis
92.2
overall index
$1,425/mo rent
RI
Providence
101.8
overall index
$2,075/mo rent

Memphis is moderately cheaper than Providence — 10.4% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Memphis, you would need $88,300 in Providence. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing+30.2%
Memphis
79.8
Providence
103.9
🛒 Groceries+0.9%
Memphis
96.2
Providence
97.1
🚗 Transportation+7.3%
Memphis
100.1
Providence
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+7.3%
Memphis
90.6
Providence
97.2
Utilities+100.8%
Memphis
74.1
Providence
148.8

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Providence, RI
$88,300
$8,300 more needed in Providence

Formula: salary × (101.8 ÷ 92.2) = salary × 1.1041. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Memphis, TN

Median Home Price
$238,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,425
Housing Index
79.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9×

Providence, RI

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

Providence has 30.2% higher housing costs compared to Memphis.

Income & Job Market

Memphis, TN

Median Household Income
$64,000
Per Capita Income
$36,500
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Population
633,104
Top Industries
LogisticsHealthcareManufacturingTourismGovernment

Providence, RI

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

Affordability at a Glance

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

Memphis, TN
3.7×income-to-rent ratio

73% of income left after rent (median)

Providence, RI
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% 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.