Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Providence is 21% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,333/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 3%
$66,772/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 9%
$322,800 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 29%
$1,467/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
190,214
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,825/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Providence or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Lakeland?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Lakeland?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,825/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Florida?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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