Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Anaheim is 83% more expensive than Providence.

$2,082/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 36%
$90,583/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
$771,700 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 58%
$2,165/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 32%
344,553
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $23,811/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Providence — common questions

Is Anaheim or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Providence?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Providence?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $23,811/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Providence details →