City Comparison
North Providence vs Smithfield
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
North Providence
Smithfield
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
North Providence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: North Providence's average rent is
11% lower than Smithfield's.
| Metric | North Providence | Smithfield | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,850 | -11% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $170 | $210 | -19% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $240 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,590 | $2,850 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 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 North Providence is estimated at
$58,000 vs $62,000 in Smithfield.
| Metric | North Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $76,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 70,370 idx |
| Household Income | $76,500 | $105,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.9°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 2.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | North Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | 50.60°F |
| Summer High | 80.40°F | 79.40°F |
| Winter Low | 22.00°F | 20.80°F |
| Rainfall | 45.50 in | 44.80 in |
| Snowfall | 18.10 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 253 | 252 |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
North Providence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, North Providence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | North Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 42.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
North Providence is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, North 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 | North Providence | Smithfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,075 | 22,118 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 43.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
North Providence
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates offer a more accessible entry point than core Boston or downtown Providence markets per Zillow data.
Direct in-town presence of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital provides exceptional local healthcare access.
Strategic geographic location offers a quiet suburban atmosphere just minutes from downtown Providence.
Active local parks and recreation facilities, including Governor Notte Park, enhance outdoor lifestyle options.
Thriving local dining and retail corridors along Mineral Spring Avenue foster a strong community feel.
Drawbacks
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can present a notable financial burden for homeowners.
Car dependency is relatively high, as public transit options outside of primary bus lines are limited.
Regional commuter traffic during peak morning and evening hours on major arteries can cause delays.
Limited large-scale industrial or corporate headquarters directly within town limits constrains local job diversity.
Inventory for single-family home purchases can be tight, driving competitive bidding scenarios.
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.
North Providence
#376Rhode Island, USA
59.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
253/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
67
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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