Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$78,787$6,566 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Providence County, RI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Providence County, RI
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,318 | $15,816 | $52,720 | 20.1% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,402 | $16,824 | $56,080 | 21.4% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,729 | $20,748 | $69,160 | 26.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,087 | $25,044 | $83,480 | 31.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,480 | $29,760 | $99,200 | 37.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Providence County, RI
Based on the local median household income of $78,787/year ($6,566/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Rhode Island
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Rhode Island state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Rhode Island with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Providence County, RI
What is the median household income in Providence County, RI?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Providence County, RI is $78,787 per year (approximately $6,566 per month).
What is the average rent in Providence County, RI?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Providence County, RI are $1,318 for a studio, $1,402 for 1 bedroom, $1,729 for 2 bedrooms, $2,087 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,480 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Providence County, RI compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Providence County, RI is 101.8 (1.8% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Providence County, RI?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,729/month) in Providence County, RI requires a minimum gross household income of $69,160 per year ($5,763 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Providence County, RI?
For a typical household earning the median income of $78,787/year ($6,566/month) in Providence County, RI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,283/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,970/month to discretionary spending, and $1,313/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Providence County, RI?
Residential electricity rates in Rhode Island average 29.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $263 per month.