Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Providence is 22% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,333/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
$66,772/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 32%
$322,800 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 33%
$1,467/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 13%
190,214
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $21,472/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Hartford — common questions

Is Providence or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Hartford?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Hartford?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $21,472/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Connecticut?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Hartford details →

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