Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Providence, RI (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Salt Lake City is 18% more expensive than Providence.

$1,343/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ≈ Same
$74,925/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 11%
$495,700 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 35%
$1,394/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 5%
203,888
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,153/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Providence — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Providence?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Providence?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $8,153/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Rhode Island?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Providence details →

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