Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Providence, RI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Madison is 4% more expensive than Providence.

$1,364/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 2%
$76,983/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 13%
$346,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 7%
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ≈ Same
275,568
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,211/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Providence — common questions

Is Madison or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Providence?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Providence?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $10,211/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Rhode Island?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Providence details →

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