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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Santa Clarita is 99% more expensive than Providence.

$2,486/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 46%
$119,926/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 44%
$721,000 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 55%
$2,649/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 45%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,153/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $13,836/year.

Median household income is $53,154/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Providence — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Providence?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $1,153/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Providence?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $53,154/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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