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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Providence is 68% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,333/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 124%
$66,772/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 160%
$322,800 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 373%
$1,467/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 108%
190,214
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,652/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $19,824/year.

Median household income is $106,898/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Providence or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,652/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $106,898/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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