Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Providence, RI (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Cleveland is 48% cheaper than Providence.

$894/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 49%
$39,187/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 70%
$94,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 243%
$866/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 69%
367,523
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $27,585/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Providence — common questions

Is Cleveland or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Providence?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Providence?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $27,585/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Rhode Island?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Providence details →

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