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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

San Francisco is 170% more expensive than Providence.

$2,419/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 45%
$141,446/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 53%
$1,380,500 ↑ 328%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 77%
$2,620/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 44%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,086/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $13,032/year.

Median household income is $74,674/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Providence — common questions

Is San Francisco or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Providence?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $1,086/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Providence?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $74,674/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Providence details →

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