Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Providence, RI (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Portland is 39% more expensive than Providence.

$1,596/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 16%
$88,792/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 25%
$557,600 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 42%
$1,771/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 17%
642,715
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $22,020/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Providence — common questions

Is Portland or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Providence?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Providence?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $22,020/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Rhode Island?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Providence details →

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