Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Provo, UT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Providence is 3% cheaper than Provo.

$1,333/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 14%
$66,772/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 6%
$322,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 35%
$1,467/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 17%
190,214
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $3,972/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Provo — common questions

Is Providence or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Provo?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Provo?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $3,972/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Utah?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Provo details →

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