Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Independence, MO (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Providence is 48% more expensive than Independence.

$1,333/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 20%
$66,772/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 11%
$322,800 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 48%
$1,467/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
190,214
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $7,292/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Independence — common questions

Is Providence or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Independence?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Independence?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,292/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Missouri?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Independence details →

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