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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Providence is 9% more expensive than College Station.

$1,333/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 12%
$66,772/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 22%
$322,800 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 1%
$1,467/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 15%
190,214
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $14,996/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs College Station — common questions

Is Providence or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and College Station?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or College Station?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $14,996/year higher in Providence.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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