Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Providence, RI (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Denver is 48% more expensive than Providence.

$1,770/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
$91,681/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 27%
$586,700 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 45%
$1,839/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 20%
713,734
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $24,909/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Providence — common questions

Is Denver or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Providence?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Providence?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $24,909/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Rhode Island?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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