Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Providence, RI?

Rent-burdened — rent takes 45.9% of gross income.

Providence rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Rhode Island state estimate).

Providence median rent
$2,281/mo
HVAC Technician salary (Rhode Island)
$59,592/yr
Rent as % of income
45.9%
Gross monthly income works out to about $4,966, and the 30% rule supports up to $1,490/mo in rent. Providence's median rent of $2,281 exceeds that threshold by $791/mo, putting a hvac technician salary into the rent-burdened range here. A hvac technician works roughly 79.6 hours a month to cover that rent.

About rent and a hvac technician salary

HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.

Cheaper rent nearby

These Rhode Island cities have lower median rent than Providence, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:

North Smithfield, RI
$2,278/mo (45.9% of income)
East Greenwich, RI
$2,269/mo (45.7% of income)
East Greenwich, RI
$2,267/mo (45.7% of income)

Compare with full rent data for Providence

View full rent data for Providence, RI

Frequently asked questions

Can a hvac technician afford rent in Providence, RI?

Median rent in Providence is $2,281 a month. A typical hvac technician in Rhode Island earns about $59,592 a year, which makes that rent 45.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.

How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Providence?

Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Rhode Island (~$59,592/yr) supports up to $1,490 a month in rent. Providence's current median rent is $2,281/mo, which is $791/mo over the affordability threshold.

How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Providence?

At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a hvac technician in Rhode Island works roughly 79.6 hours a month to cover Providence's median rent of $2,281.

Where is rent cheaper than Providence for a hvac technician?

Nearby Rhode Island cities with lower median rent include North Smithfield ($2,278/mo), East Greenwich ($2,269/mo), East Greenwich ($2,267/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.

Methodology: Salary uses the BLS-derived Rhode Island state estimate from OEWS May 2024. Rent is the most recent ZORI monthly value for Providence, RI. Affordability applies the 30% rule (rent ≤ 30% of gross income). Real take-home varies with taxes, household composition, overtime, tips, and benefits.