Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Providence is 20% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,333/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 27%
$66,772/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 14%
$322,800 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 27%
$1,467/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 19%
190,214
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $9,311/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Providence or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Lancaster?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Lancaster?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $9,311/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and California?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Lancaster details →

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