Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Providence, RI (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Charlotte is 9% more expensive than Providence.

$1,504/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 11%
$78,438/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 15%
$351,500 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 8%
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 1%
886,283
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $11,666/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Providence — common questions

Is Charlotte or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Providence?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Providence?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $11,666/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Rhode Island?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Charlotte or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Providence details →

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