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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Providence is 28% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,333/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 38%
$66,772/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 27%
$322,800 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 48%
$1,467/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 22%
190,214
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $17,845/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Providence or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,845/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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