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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Arlington is 105% more expensive than Providence.

$2,275/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 41%
$140,160/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 52%
$864,800 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 63%
$2,414/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 39%
235,463
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $73,388/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Providence — common questions

Is Arlington or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Providence?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $942/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Providence?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $73,388/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Rhode Island?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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