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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Durham is 6% more expensive than Providence.

$1,412/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 6%
$79,234/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 16%
$355,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 9%
$1,434/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 2%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $12,462/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Providence — common questions

Is Durham or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Providence?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Providence?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $12,462/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Providence details →

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