Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Providence is 14% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Sacramento (106).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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