Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Tampa is 7% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $69,545 in Tampa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Tampa scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Tampa (97).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
Amazon affiliate links