Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 6.6% more expensive than Providence, RI. This translates to spending an extra $495 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $155,942.493 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 21.4% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $495 more per month than Providence, RI, or $5942 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs San Diego, 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 $495/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$495

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Providence, RI vs San Diego, CA

Category	Providence, RI	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $919more	21.4%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $237more	14.4%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $88.55less	5.3%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$638/mo	↓ $69.75less	9.9%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $51.64more	5.0%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$634/mo	↓ $47.71less	7.0%

Housing

↑ 21.4%

Providence, RI

$4,304

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$919

Other

↑ 14.4%

Providence, RI

$1,654

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$237

Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Providence, RI

$1,659

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$88.55

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.9%

Providence, RI

$708

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$69.75

less

Groceries

↑ 5.0%

Providence, RI

$1,028

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$51.64

All Utilities

↓ 7.0%

Providence, RI

$682

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$47.71

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$2,565

↑ $1,193

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$2,755

↑ $1,291

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$3,360

↑ $1,557

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$4,475

↑ $2,294

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,002

Difference

Home Values

Providence

San Diego

$430K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 128% more expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.