Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Providence is 42% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,333/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 66%
$66,772/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 61%
$322,800 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 90%
$1,467/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 61%
190,214
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $40,702/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Stamford — common questions

Is Providence or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Stamford?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Stamford?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $40,702/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Connecticut?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Stamford details →

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