Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Kent, WA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Providence is 32% cheaper than Kent.

$1,333/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 38%
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 35%
$322,800 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 67%
$1,467/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 31%
190,214
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $23,644/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Kent — common questions

Is Providence or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Kent?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Kent?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $23,644/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Washington?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Kent details →

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