Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Fremont is 181% more expensive than Providence.

$2,905/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 54%
$176,350/yr ↑ 164%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 62%
$1,289,400 ↑ 299%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 75%
$3,000/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 51%
228,518
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,572/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $18,864/year.

Median household income is $109,578/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Providence — common questions

Is Fremont or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Providence?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $1,572/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Providence?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $109,578/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Providence details →

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