City Comparison
East Providence vs Smithfield
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
East Providence
Smithfield
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
East Providence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: East Providence's average rent is
11% lower than Smithfield's.
| Metric | East Providence | Smithfield | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,850 | -11% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $175 | $210 | -17% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $240 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,595 | $2,850 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 108 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smithfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in East Providence is estimated at
$58,000 vs $62,000 in Smithfield.
| Metric | East Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $76,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,385 idx | 70,370 idx |
| Household Income | $74,500 | $105,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.2°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 3.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | East Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.80°F | 50.60°F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | 79.40°F |
| Winter Low | 22.90°F | 20.80°F |
| Rainfall | 45.20 in | 44.80 in |
| Snowfall | 17.50 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | 252 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
East Providence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Smithfield.
East Providence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, East Providence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | East Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 42.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
East Providence is the larger city
— approximately 2.1x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, East Providence is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smithfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | East Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,139 | 22,118 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 43.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
East Providence
Advantages
Proximity to downtown Providence with often more accessible housing options
Extensive waterfront access and parks, including the East Bay Bike Path
Rich historical heritage and active community neighborhoods like Rumford and Riverside
Ongoing revitalization of the Waterfront District driving new dining and housing
Strong regional healthcare access via nearby Providence medical centers
Drawbacks
Housing costs and property taxes have risen in line with broader New England trends
Public transit options are limited outside of primary bus corridors, leading to car dependency
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on key bridges and highways
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring regular property and vehicle maintenance
Older housing stock in certain neighborhoods may require significant modern updates
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
East Providence
#366Rhode Island, USA
59.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
51.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
76
Business
70
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
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