Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Providence is 50% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,333/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 24%
$66,772/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 10%
$322,800 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 46%
$1,467/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 32%
190,214
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $6,607/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs McAllen — common questions

Is Providence or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and McAllen?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or McAllen?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $6,607/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Texas?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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