Quick answer
Memphis costs $775/month less overall ($1,455 vs $2,230/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs 5.99% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Memphis vs Providence
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Memphis vs Providence at a Glance
| Metric | Memphis | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $980 ✓ | $2,000 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,220 ✓ | $2,000 |
| Median Home Price | $195K ✓ | $380K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 ✓ | $180 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $325 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,455 ✓ | $2,230 |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 75/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 28/100 | 51/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 5.99% (top) |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,650 in Providence — a $670/month difference, or $8,040/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs 5.99% (top) in Providence. On an $80K salary that's a $3,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,400 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $380K in Providence. At a 20% down payment, that's a $37,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Providence utilities run $30 more per month than Memphis.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Providence, RI
Providence's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Providence
New England winters (cold, moderate snow); humid summers; seasonal transitions are pronounced; 4 true seasons
Job Market
Memphis top industries
Providence top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Providence if…
- →You're a Artists, designers, and creative professionals (RISD gravity, gallery culture)
- →You're a Brown University-affiliated academics and families
- →You're a Urban walkability seekers who want Northeastern authenticity
- →You're a Culinary enthusiasts (Johnson & Wales, farm-to-table restaurants)
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Providence cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $2,230 in Providence — a $775/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Memphis or Providence?
Providence is more walkable with a Walk Score of 75/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Memphis vs Providence: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,600/year vs Providence (5.99% (top)).
Is Memphis or Providence better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $380K in Providence — a $185,000 difference on the median home.