Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Providence is 26% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,333/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 7%
$66,772/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 2%
$322,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 90%
$1,467/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ≈ Same
190,214
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $1,606/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Providence or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $1,606/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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