Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Providence is 71% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,333/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 27%
$66,772/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 22%
$322,800 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 63%
$1,467/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 33%
190,214
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $14,602/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Lansing — common questions

Is Providence or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Lansing?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Lansing?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $14,602/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Michigan?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Lansing details →

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