Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Providence is 6% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,333/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 15%
$66,772/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 3%
$322,800 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 1%
$1,467/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 4%
190,214
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $2,332/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Providence or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Clearwater?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Clearwater?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $2,332/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Florida?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Clearwater details →

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