Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A physical therapist in Providence earns roughly $110,393/yr (~$6,058/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,650/mo — that's 27% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
RI · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in Providence?
Using local salary estimates and Providence's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in Providence, RI in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$110,393/yr local estimate
$9,199
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5.99% (top) state income tax
-$3,141
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,058
1BR rent
27% of take-home
-$1,650
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$180
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$400
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,478
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Providence could save roughly $16,692/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 27% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 27% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Providence is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $110,393/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Providence's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Providence for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
East Side
Wealthy, Victorian homes, Brown-adjacent, tree-lined. 1BR $1,850–$2,200.
Federal Hill
Little Italy, authentic Italian restaurants, historic. 1BR $1,550–$1,800.
Fox Point
Bohemian, artists, young professionals, eclectic. 1BR $1,600–$1,900.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Providence?
A Physical Therapist in Providence earns approximately $110,393 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Providence's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Providence affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 27% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A physical therapist can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Providence?
After federal taxes, 5.99% (top) state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $110,393/yr takes home roughly $6,058/month in Providence.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Providence?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Providence costs a median of $1,650/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 27% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.