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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

San Antonio is 17% cheaper than Providence.

$1,258/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 6%
$62,917/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 6%
$219,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 47%
$1,235/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 19%
1,458,954
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $3,855/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Providence — common questions

Is San Antonio or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Providence?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Providence?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $3,855/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Rhode Island?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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