I think drawing conclusions from only 3 datapoints is misleading, especially in 2022 when we have the ability quantify & model more aspects of life than ever before.

There are many other important urban geography factors such as the city’s total area, style of sprawl, natural resources, and infrastructure (public sector & private industry) — not to mention social/cultural factors and surrounding areas.

I would use principle component analysis to get a better picture of US Cities’ relative rent prices, because a basic smell test should tell you that Providence isn’t really the “4th most expensive city for rent” in the US.