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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Providence is 28% cheaper than Allen.

$1,333/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 41%
$66,772/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 93%
$322,800 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 33%
$1,467/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 42%
190,214
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $62,358/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Allen — common questions

Is Providence or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Allen?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Allen?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $62,358/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Allen details →

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