Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Providence, RI (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Arlington is 4% cheaper than Providence.

$1,389/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 4%
$73,519/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 9%
$276,400 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 17%
$1,420/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 3%
394,769
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $6,747/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Providence — common questions

Is Arlington or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Providence?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Providence?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $6,747/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Rhode Island?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Providence details →

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