Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Providence is 61% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,333/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 60%
$66,772/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 63%
$322,800 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 319%
$1,467/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 60%
190,214
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $41,786/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Providence or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Berkeley?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Berkeley?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $41,786/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and California?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Berkeley details →

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