Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Providence is 60% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,333/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 88%
$66,772/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 142%
$322,800 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 273%
$1,467/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 76%
190,214
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,172/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $14,064/year.

Median household income is $94,528/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Providence or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Bellevue?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,172/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Bellevue?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $94,528/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Washington?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Bellevue details →

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