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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Raleigh is 11% more expensive than Providence.

$1,468/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
$82,424/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 19%
$377,800 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 15%
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 1%
470,763
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $15,652/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Providence — common questions

Is Raleigh or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Providence?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Providence?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $15,652/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Rhode Island?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Providence details →

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