Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Providence and Wilmington have a similar cost of living.

$1,333/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 2%
$66,772/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 4%
$322,800 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 9%
$1,467/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
190,214
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Providence or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Wilmington?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Wilmington?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and North Carolina?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Providence details → View Wilmington details →

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