Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Providence, RI (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Scottsdale is 67% more expensive than Providence.

$1,910/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 30%
$107,372/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 38%
$709,900 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 55%
$1,824/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 20%
242,169
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $40,600/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Providence — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Providence?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Providence?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $40,600/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Rhode Island?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Providence details →

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