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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Providence is 23% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,333/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 37%
$66,772/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 44%
$322,800 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 26%
$1,467/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 22%
190,214
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $29,485/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Richardson — common questions

Is Providence or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Richardson?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Richardson?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $29,485/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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