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

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Providence is 38% more expensive than Waco.

$1,333/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 18%
$66,772/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 23%
$322,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 38%
$1,467/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 25%
190,214
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $15,304/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Waco — common questions

Is Providence or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Waco?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Waco?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $15,304/year higher in Providence.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Providence and Waco

Providence vs. Glendale Providence vs. Akron Providence vs. Vancouver Providence vs. Brownsville Providence vs. Knoxville Providence vs. Tempe Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange