Providence, RI vs Salem, MA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Providence
67.8
#1384 nationally
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in median household income ($79,196 vs $50,991). Providence leads in cost of living index (107 vs 135). Providence leads in average commute (24.8 min vs 30.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Providence, RI | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.8 (#1384) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 189,692 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $437,919 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $50,991 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 24.8 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 70 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 4.2 |
| School Rating | 4.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+14.4 | D+20.3 |
D+
67.8 Score
Providence, RI
Creative capital with colonial roots
Median Home
$437,919
Population
189,692
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C
Northeast
View Providence, RI →
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →