Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Tacoma is 27% more expensive than Providence.

$1,597/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 17%
$83,857/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 20%
$454,600 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 29%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 16%
220,482
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $17,085/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Providence — common questions

Is Tacoma or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Providence?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Providence?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $17,085/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Rhode Island?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Providence details →

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