True Cost of Renting in Cranston, RI
Cranston is the second-largest city in Rhode Island and borders Providence to the south. It's primarily residential and suburban with a strong Italian-American community. The Edgewood neighborhood (southern Cranston bordering the Providence East Side) is particularly desirable. National Grid provides electricity; RIPTA buses connect to Providence.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Edgewood
- Studio:
- $1,000/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,800/mo
South Providence border neighborhood with Victorian homes and apartments; walkable to Providence East Side. National Grid electric. RIPTA buses to Providence. Proximity to Narragansett Bay. Strong community character.
Garden City / Reservoir Ave
- Studio:
- $950/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Suburban commercial corridor in central Cranston; apartment complexes near Garden City Center. Car helpful for most errands. RIPTA bus service. More conventional suburban apartment inventory than Edgewood.
Western Cranston
- 1 Bed:
- $1,100/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
More suburban western areas near I-295; apartment complexes with lower rents. Car required. I-295 access to northern Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Less transit-served than Edgewood.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- National Grid Rhode Island
- Water
- Cranston Water Division
- Internet
- Cox Communications, Verizon
Commute & Transportation
Cranston has no rail transit — car ownership is strongly recommended for most residents. RIPTA buses connect to Providence on I-10 and I-95 corridors. I-95 runs along Cranston's eastern border, providing quick access to Providence (10 min) and Warwick/TF Green Airport (20 min). Major employers accessible by short commute: the Providence hospital complex, State government in Providence, and the growing life sciences cluster along Route 146.
Rental Market Overview
Cranston offers suburban quality adjacent to Providence at 10–15% lower rents than comparable Providence neighborhoods. National Grid RI rates apply — among Northeast's highest. A car is essential for most Cranston residents. The Italian-American restaurant culture (particularly in Johnston adjacent to western Cranston) is a lifestyle asset. Renters insurance averages $14–20/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
Compare Apartments in Cranston
Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.