Newport will always be more expensive and harder to find an apartment than Providence, regardless of the season. For the most part it’s a very pretty, very touristy area with a lot of college kids. Apartments anywhere in RI have been more expensive lately.

Speaking from personal experience, I’ve always found my apartments on Craigslist and have had great luck. Just be careful of any posts that don’t include pictures, want money from you before letting you view the apartment, or just seem too good to be true. I’d say that in Providence, the cheapest rents will generally be about $800 for a 1-bedroom. My first apartment was in Lincoln, RI and was $725 for a 1 bed, but that was back in 2013.