Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Tempe is 4% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $72,273 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Tempe (95).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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