Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Atlanta is 23% more expensive than Providence.

$1,617/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 18%
$81,938/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 19%
$420,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 23%
$1,695/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 13%
499,287
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $15,166/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Providence — common questions

Is Atlanta or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Providence?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Providence?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $15,166/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Rhode Island?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Providence details →

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