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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Los Angeles is 89% more expensive than Providence.

$1,879/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 29%
$80,366/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 17%
$879,500 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 63%
$2,055/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 29%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $13,594/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Providence — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Providence?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Providence?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $13,594/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Providence

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