Providence, RI vs Waltham, 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
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Waltham leads in median household income ($113,443 vs $50,991). Providence leads in cost of living index (107 vs 164). Providence leads in walk score (72 vs 57).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Providence, RI | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.8 (#1384) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 189,692 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $437,919 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $50,991 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 24.8 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 57 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 6.9 |
| School Rating | 4.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+14.4 | D+39.5 |
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
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →
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