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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Irvine is 159% more expensive than Providence.

$2,893/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 54%
$129,647/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 48%
$1,115,400 ↑ 246%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 71%
$2,904/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 49%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,560/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $18,720/year.

Median household income is $62,875/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Providence — common questions

Is Irvine or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Providence?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $1,560/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Providence?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $62,875/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Providence details →

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