Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Providence is 30% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,333/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
$66,772/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 28%
$322,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 70%
$1,467/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 18%
190,214
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $19,017/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Providence or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Lakewood?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Lakewood?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $19,017/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Colorado?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Lakewood details →

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