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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Ontario

California
152

Providence is 35% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,333/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 44%
$66,772/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 24%
$322,800 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 76%
$1,467/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 34%
190,214
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $16,034/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Ontario — common questions

Is Providence or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Ontario?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Ontario?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $16,034/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Ontario details →

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