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Providence vs Phoenix

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Phoenix is 10% cheaper than Providence overall.Providence has a cost of living index of 115 vs Phoenix at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Providence costs 17% more.

Pierre
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Providence
RI
115
COLI index
VS
Phoenix
AZ
103
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryProvidencePhoenixDifference
Overall COLI115103-10%
Housing148128-14%
Groceries106104-2%
Transport105107+2%
Healthcare108103-5%
Utilities132110-17%

Median 1BR Rent

Providence
$1,650/mo
Phoenix
$1,600/mo

Median Home Price

Providence
$345,000
Phoenix
$385,000

Median Household Income

Providence
$50,240
Phoenix
$64,882

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Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is cheaper to live in overall. Providence has a cost of living index of 115 while Phoenix has an index of 103, where 100 represents the US national average. Phoenix is 10% cheaper than Providence overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Providence is $1,650 per month compared to $1,600 in Phoenix. The median home price in Providence is $345,000 versus $385,000 in Phoenix. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Providence has a cost of living index of 115 and Phoenix has an index of 103, 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 0.90. For example a $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to approximately $67,174 in Phoenix.

Providence has a median household income of $50,240 per year versus $64,882 in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Phoenix is 10% cheaper 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.