Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Tucson is 15% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $63,409 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Tucson (93).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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