Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Providence is 28% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,333/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 25%
$66,772/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 25%
$322,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 70%
$1,467/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 15%
190,214
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $16,826/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Providence or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $16,826/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Colorado?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Fort Collins details →

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