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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Glendale is 115% more expensive than Providence.

$2,095/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 36%
$84,262/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 21%
$1,043,900 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 69%
$2,212/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 34%
192,270
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $17,490/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Providence — common questions

Is Glendale or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Providence?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Providence?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $17,490/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Providence details →