Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Providence, RI (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Tampa is 14% more expensive than Providence.

$1,567/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 15%
$71,302/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 6%
$375,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 14%
$1,553/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 6%
393,389
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $4,530/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Providence — common questions

Is Tampa or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Providence?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Providence?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $4,530/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Rhode Island?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Providence details →

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