Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Providence is 39% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,333/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 17%
$66,772/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 6%
$322,800 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 45%
$1,467/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
190,214
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $4,052/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Abilene — common questions

Is Providence or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Abilene?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Abilene?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $4,052/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Texas?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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