Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Providence is 35% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,333/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 35%
$66,772/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 70%
$322,800 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 86%
$1,467/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 33%
190,214
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $46,624/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Arvada — common questions

Is Providence or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Arvada?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Arvada?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $46,624/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Colorado?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Arvada details →

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