Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Providence is 44% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,333/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 48%
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 35%
$322,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 137%
$1,467/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 37%
190,214
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $23,394/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Providence or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $23,394/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Garden Grove details →

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