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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Orange

California
206

Providence is 52% cheaper than Orange.

$1,333/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 69%
$66,772/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 75%
$322,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 179%
$1,467/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 63%
190,214
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $50,173/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Orange — common questions

Is Providence or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Orange?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Orange?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $50,173/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Orange details →

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