Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 28.3% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $2122 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $175,464.125 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 80.0% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Providence, RI to Los Angeles, CA?

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $2122 more per month than Providence, RI, or $25464 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Los Angeles, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Providence, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $175.5K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↑ 28.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,122

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$25.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$430K

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

128

(28% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K residents.

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Providence, RI	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $3,445more	80.0%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $499more	30.1%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$554/mo	↓ $154less	21.8%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$557/mo	↓ $124less	18.2%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $76.71more	4.6%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,040/mo	↑ $12.67more	1.2%

Housing

↑ 80.0%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$3,445

Transportation

↑ 30.1%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$499

Healthcare

↓ 21.8%

Providence, RI

$708

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$154

less

All Utilities

↓ 18.2%

Providence, RI

$682

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$124

less

Other

↑ 4.6%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$76.71

Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$12.67

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$1,910

↑ $538

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$2,135

↑ $671

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$2,660

↑ $857

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$3,370

↑ $1,189

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$3,755

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Los Angeles

$430K

Median Value

$885K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 106% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Los Angeles

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$349

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.8%

Rate difference

Providence, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.