Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Providence is 12% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,333/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ≈ Same
$66,772/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 1%
$322,800 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 27%
$1,467/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 8%
190,214
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $986/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Hampton — common questions

Is Providence or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Hampton?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Hampton?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $986/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Virginia?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Hampton details →

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