Providence, Rhode Island
In Providence, Rhode Island, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.77 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.32 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,565.97, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.6% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Providence's cost-of-living index of 118 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.77
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,565.97
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.6%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$17.17
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.89 | $2.25 | $2.94 | $4.35 | $2.39 | +26.5% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.90 | $4.13 | $4.01 | $4.13 | $4.17 | +6.9% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.28 | $5.31 | $5.58 | $5.98 | $6.16 | +43.9% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.29 | $3.15 | $3.40 | $3.64 | $3.71 | +62.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.88 | $4.20 | $4.33 | $4.42 | $4.42 | +13.9% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.41 | $4.99 | $5.13 | $5.23 | $5.33 | +20.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | $7.04 | $7.45 | $7.82 | $8.13 | $8.46 | +20.2% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.97 | $6.50 | $6.69 | $6.82 | $7.03 | +17.8% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.62 | $2.00 | $2.08 | $2.10 | $2.10 | +29.6% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.68 | $5.33 | $5.54 | $5.54 | $5.59 | +19.4% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $9.11 | $10.82 | $11.80 | $12.51 | $12.89 | +41.5% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.24 | $4.90 | $5.34 | $5.60 | $5.77 | +36.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.33 | $4.64 | $4.78 | $4.92 | $5.07 | +17.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.73 | $4.92 | $5.12 | $5.22 | $5.22 | +10.4% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.38 | $2.69 | $2.85 | $2.99 | $3.14 | +31.9% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.91 | $2.08 | $2.25 | $2.34 | $2.46 | +28.8% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $6.01 | $7.51 | $8.11 | $8.43 | $8.60 | +43.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.32 | $4.67 | $5.00 | $5.20 | $5.36 | +24.1% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.20 | $5.92 | $6.27 | $6.52 | $6.58 | +26.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.65 | $7.98 | $8.53 | $9.13 | $9.40 | +41.4% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$17.17
Casual Dining
$36.46
Monthly Spend
$550.48
+4.86% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $10.65
$17.17
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $12.02
$18.54
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $12.88
$19.23
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $6.24
$8.67
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Providence?
Average 1BR: $2,354.1/mo · 2BR: $2,984.2/mo
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