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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Providence is 57% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,333/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 80%
$66,772/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 65%
$322,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 227%
$1,467/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 68%
190,214
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,062/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $12,744/year.

Median household income is $43,301/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Providence or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,062/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $43,301/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Costa Mesa details →

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