RentData

Average Rent in Providence, MA↑ Rents rising 8.7% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,673,807

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Providence, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,423/month to $2,615/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,509/month — 8% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $85,646/year, spending $1,509/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Providence Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,879/month, Providence ranks #15 most expensive of the 22 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 96% of all US cities in our data.

The Providence Rental Market

The Providence, MA area has a population of about 1,673,807 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Providence, MA have risen by $150/month (8.7%) over the past year, from $1,729 to $1,879. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Providence, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $60,360. The local median household income of $85,646 exceeds that threshold by $25,286, making Providence relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,423
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,509
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,879
↑8.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,302
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,615
Average
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Is Providence, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$75,160/year
Local median income: $85,646
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,879/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Lawrence$1,677$1,809$2,367$2,820—
Lowell$1,659$1,831$2,383$2,878—
Brockton$1,678$1,842$2,409$3,015—
Boston$2,440$2,518$3,008$3,584—
New Bedford$1,297$1,305$1,668$1,987—
Taunton$1,517$1,666$2,179$2,596—

Rent or Buy in Providence?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Providence data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,879/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,879/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Providence

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Providence

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Providence

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MA

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📋MA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections