Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Providence is 25% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 33%
$66,772/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 20%
$322,800 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 41%
$1,467/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 21%
190,214
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $13,163/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Providence or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $13,163/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Florida?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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