Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Providence, RI (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Washington is 73% more expensive than Providence.

$1,900/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 30%
$106,287/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 37%
$724,600 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 55%
$2,103/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 30%
672,079
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $39,515/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Providence — common questions

Is Washington or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Providence?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Providence?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $39,515/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Rhode Island?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Providence details →

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