Can A Retail Salesperson Afford Rent in Providence, RI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 71.4% of gross income.
Providence rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Rhode Island state estimate).
About rent and a retail salesperson salary
Retail pay sits below the rent threshold needed for solo apartment living in most US metros, which is the central tension behind the widely studied retail-housing affordability gap. At the national-average retail salary, the 30% rule supports about $927 a month in rent — below the median one-bedroom rent in nearly every metro tracked here. The per-city pages show which markets are least out of reach.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Rhode Island cities have lower median rent than Providence, which improves the affordability math on a retail salesperson salary:
Compare with full rent data for Providence
View full rent data for Providence, RI →Frequently asked questions
Can a retail salesperson afford rent in Providence, RI?
Median rent in Providence is $2,293 a month. A typical retail salesperson in Rhode Island earns about $38,553 a year, which makes that rent 71.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a retail salesperson afford in Providence?
Using the 30% rule, a retail salesperson salary in Rhode Island (~$38,553/yr) supports up to $964 a month in rent. Providence's current median rent is $2,293/mo, which is $1,329/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a retail salesperson work to cover rent in Providence?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a retail salesperson in Rhode Island works roughly 123.7 hours a month to cover Providence's median rent of $2,293.
Where is rent cheaper than Providence for a retail salesperson?
Nearby Rhode Island cities with lower median rent include Bristol ($2,284/mo), Bristol ($2,283/mo), Bristol ($2,282/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a retail salesperson salary.