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Providence vs Austin

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Austin is 3% more expensive than Providence overall.Providence has a cost of living index of 115 vs Austin at 119 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Providence costs 17% more.

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Providence
RI
115
COLI index
VS
Austin
TX
119
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryProvidenceAustinDifference
Overall COLI115119+3%
Housing148168+14%
Groceries106106Same
Transport105108+3%
Healthcare108103-5%
Utilities132110-17%

Median 1BR Rent

Providence
$1,650/mo
Austin
$1,800/mo

Median Home Price

Providence
$345,000
Austin
$510,000

Median Household Income

Providence
$50,240
Austin
$80,954

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Frequently Asked Questions

Providence is cheaper to live in overall. Providence has a cost of living index of 115 while Austin has an index of 119, where 100 represents the US national average. Austin is 3% more expensive than Providence overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Providence is $1,650 per month compared to $1,800 in Austin. The median home price in Providence is $345,000 versus $510,000 in Austin. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Providence has a cost of living index of 115 and Austin has an index of 119, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Providence, multiply by 1.03. For example a $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to approximately $77,609 in Austin.

Providence has a median household income of $50,240 per year versus $80,954 in Austin. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Providence to Austin is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Austin is 3% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.