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Retirement community in Providence, Rhode Island

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Providence, Rhode Island Retirement Guide

46

Retirement Score

Providence, Rhode Island at a Glance

Median Home Price
$359,600
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security and pension exclusions depend on age and income thresholds.
Avg January Low
24.4°F
Cost of Living Index
104.5 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
46 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Providence, Rhode Island, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
104.5 (U.S. avg = 100)Low confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated May 2026
Median Household Income
$61,365High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Providence's cost of living is 4.5% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$359,600High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$1,382High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated September 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
39.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Providence using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$779

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$875

Median home price used: $359,600

Median rent reference: $1,382 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Providence, Rhode Island after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
37.2 / 100High confidence
CMS Hospital General Information · Updated September 2026
Care Access (Proxy)
37.2 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
62.9 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Providence scores 37.2 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Providence

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Providence

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
30 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security and pension exclusions depend on age and income thresholds.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026

Rhode Island has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
85.3°FHigh confidence
Open-Meteo Historical Weather (ERA5) · Updated September 2026
Avg January Low
24.4°FHigh confidence
Open-Meteo Historical Weather (ERA5) · Updated September 2026
Annual Precipitation
53.5"High confidence
Open-Meteo Historical Weather (ERA5) · Updated September 2026
Sunny Days / Year
273 daysHigh confidence
Open-Meteo Historical Weather (ERA5) · Updated September 2026

With 273 sunny days a year and an average January low of 24.4°F, Providence offers a traditional winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
72.8 / 100Medium confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
70.5 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
13.9 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
189,715High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Age
32.3High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Age 65+
11.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Veterans
2.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
34.5%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
45.6%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Black
15.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Hispanic/Latino
42.6%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Asian
6.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Providence

What is the cost of living in Providence, Rhode Island for retirees?

The cost-of-living index is 105, roughly 5% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $359,600.

Does Rhode Island tax Social Security or retirement income?

For Rhode Island residents: State income tax; Social Security and pension exclusions depend on age and income thresholds.

What is the climate like in Providence, Rhode Island?

Providence, Rhode Island has January average low around 24°F, July average high around 85°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Providence, Rhode Island?

Providence scores 37/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a adequate score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

Local Professionals

Financial Advisors

WEYBOSSET RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT, LLC

Financial Advisor

BROWN, LISLE/CUMMINGS, INC

BROWN, LISLE/CUMMINGS, INC.

Financial Advisor

PARSONS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC

Financial Advisor

+56 more financial advisors available

Interested in Providence? Talk to a Local Expert.

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