Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Providence is 25% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,333/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 5%
$66,772/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 2%
$322,800 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 36%
$1,467/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 20%
190,214
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $1,580/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Providence or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Dearborn?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Dearborn?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,580/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Michigan?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Dearborn details →

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