Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Providence, RI

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Providence are Mt Hope, West End Providence, and Federal Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Providence, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 14, 2025, the average rent in Providence is $2,052, which is 0.3% 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

$1,762/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

12.3%

TransitScore® Rating

55/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Providence, Mt Hope might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,762, while the city’s average stands at $2,052. In the last year, prices have decreased by 12.3%. Mt Hope is near Shaws Plaza, Providence Children's Museum, and Woonasquatucket River Greenway - Riverside Park.

West End Providence

Average Rent

$1,891/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

53/100

Units Available

17 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.

Federal Hill

Average Rent

$1,937/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

15 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.

College Hill

Average Rent

$1,986/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

33 Rentals

College Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in College Hill is $1,986 while the city average is $2,052. This is a 2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Woonasquatucket River Greenway - Riverside Park, Roger Williams National Memorial, and Johnson & Wales Univ Downcity. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.

Olneyville

Average Rent

$2,258/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.2%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

11 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

$2,281/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

54/100

Units Available

11 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

$2,289/Month

TransitScore® Rating

62/100

Units Available

44 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Providence neighborhood on a budget, check out Broadway Historic District. The average rent is $2,289, compared to the city average of $2,052. Broadway Historic District is convenient to Rhode Island School of Design, Eagle Square, and Providence Children's Museum. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.

East Side

Average Rent

$2,304/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

54/100

Units Available

93 Rentals

East Side is an affordable neighborhood in Providence with an average rent price of $2,304. Compare this to the city average of $2,052. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. East Side provides easy access to Roger Williams Park Zoo, North Main Center, and Brown University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.

Downcity

Average Rent

$2,318/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

202 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Providence, Downcity might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,318, while the city’s average stands at $2,052. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.4%. Downcity is near 680 Douglas Plaza, Providence Children's Museum, and Roger Williams National Memorial.

Smith Hill

Average Rent

$2,439/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

28 Rentals

Smith Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Smith Hill is $2,439 while the city average is $2,052. This is a 3.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Woonasquatucket River Greenway - Riverside Park, Ladd Observatory, and Providence Place. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.

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.