Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Providence is 14% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $64,453 in Providence.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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