Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Provo is 5% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $70,909 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Provo (97).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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