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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Austin is 35% more expensive than Providence.

$1,655/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 19%
$91,461/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 27%
$512,700 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 37%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 16%
967,862
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $24,689/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Providence — common questions

Is Austin or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Providence?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Providence?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $24,689/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Providence details →

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