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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Providence is 11% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,333/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$66,772/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 8%
$322,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 30%
$1,467/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 6%
190,214
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $5,071/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Providence or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Mesquite?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Mesquite?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,071/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Mesquite details →

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