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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Sacramento is 33% more expensive than Providence.

$1,694/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 21%
$83,753/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 20%
$484,600 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 33%
$1,752/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 16%
524,802
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $16,981/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Providence — common questions

Is Sacramento or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Providence?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Providence?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $16,981/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Providence details →

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