Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Providence, RI

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Providence are Mt Hope, Federal Hill, and West End Providence. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Providence, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 2, 2025, the average rent in Providence is $2,086, which is 6% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Mt Hope

Average Rent

$1,792/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

12.3%

TransitScore® Rating

55/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Mt Hope is an affordable neighborhood in Providence with an average rent price of $1,792. Compare this to the city average of $2,086. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 12.3%. Mt Hope provides easy access to University Market Place, Rhode Island Tf Green International, and Brown University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 82.

Federal Hill

Average Rent

$1,934/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

30 Rentals

Federal Hill provides cost-effective housing in a lively area known for its culinary scene. Atwells Avenue features numerous Italian restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. DePasquale Square, with its beautiful fountain, serves as a charming gathering spot.

West End Providence

Average Rent

$2,073/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

53/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

West End Providence offers budget-friendly living with diverse dining and shopping options. Dexter Training Ground provides a spacious park with playgrounds and sports fields. Broad Street features an array of international restaurants and local shops.

College Hill

Average Rent

$2,139/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

38 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Providence, College Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,139, while the city’s average stands at $2,086. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.9%. College Hill is near Johnson & Wales Univ Downcity, Roger Williams National Memorial, and C.C. of Rhode Island, Downcity.

Olneyville

Average Rent

$2,162/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.4%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Olneyville attracts budget-conscious renters with its artistic vibe and local amenities. Riverside Park offers green spaces and a bike path along the Woonasquatucket River. The neighborhood’s local breweries and art spaces create a dynamic atmosphere.

Fox Point

Average Rent

$2,210/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

54/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Fox Point provides cost-effective living with a historic flair and scenic waterfront views. India Point Park offers walking paths, picnic areas, and stunning views of Narragansett Bay. Wickenden Street boasts unique shops and eateries, adding to the neighborhood's appeal.

Broadway Historic District

Average Rent

$2,261/Month

TransitScore® Rating

62/100

Units Available

50 Rentals

Broadway Historic District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Broadway Historic District is $2,261 while the city average is $2,086. Residents enjoy convenient access to Rhode Island School of Design, Woonasquatucket River Greenway - Riverside Park, and Ladd Observatory. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.

East Side

Average Rent

$2,316/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.4%

TransitScore® Rating

54/100

Units Available

104 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Providence neighborhood on a budget, check out East Side. The average rent is $2,316, compared to the city average of $2,086. Rent prices have increased by 6.4%. East Side is convenient to University Market Place, Brown University, and Rhode Island Tf Green International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.

Downcity

Average Rent

$2,324/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

44/100

Units Available

227 Rentals

Downcity is an affordable neighborhood in Providence with an average rent price of $2,324. Compare this to the city average of $2,086. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2%. Downcity provides easy access to Providence Children's Museum, Providence College, and Rhode Island College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 73.

Smith Hill

Average Rent

$2,405/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Providence, Smith Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,405, while the city’s average stands at $2,086. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.7%. Smith Hill is near Roger Williams National Memorial, Providence Children's Museum, and Rhode Island School of Design.

Ready to make your move to Providence? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.