Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Providence is 52% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,333/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 20%
$66,772/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 11%
$322,800 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 54%
$1,467/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
190,214
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $7,589/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Providence or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Kansas City?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Kansas City?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $7,589/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Kansas?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Providence and Kansas City

Providence vs. Glendale Providence vs. Akron Providence vs. Vancouver Providence vs. Brownsville Providence vs. Knoxville Providence vs. Tempe Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood