Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Providence, RI (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Mesa is 8% more expensive than Providence.

$1,478/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 10%
$78,779/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 15%
$364,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 11%
$1,404/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 4%
507,478
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $12,007/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Providence — common questions

Is Mesa or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Providence?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Providence?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $12,007/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Rhode Island?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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