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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Torrance

California
218

Providence is 55% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,333/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 66%
$66,772/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 69%
$322,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 221%
$1,467/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 56%
190,214
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $881/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $10,572/year.

Median household income is $46,333/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Torrance — common questions

Is Providence or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Torrance?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $881/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Torrance?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $46,333/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Torrance details →

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