Quick answer
Des Moines costs $540/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,230/mo). But Providence's 5.99% (top) state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $240/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Providence
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Des Moines vs Providence at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $2,000 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $2,000 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $380K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 ✓ | $180 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $2,230 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 75/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 51/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | 5.99% (top) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,650 in Providence — a $500/month difference, or $6,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Providence charges 5.99% (top) state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $240/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,400 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $380K in Providence. At a 20% down payment, that's a $27,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Providence utilities run $10 more per month than Des Moines.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Providence, RI
Providence's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Providence
New England winters (cold, moderate snow); humid summers; seasonal transitions are pronounced; 4 true seasons
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Providence top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Providence if…
- →You're a Artists, designers, and creative professionals (RISD gravity, gallery culture)
- →You're a Brown University-affiliated academics and families
- →You're a Urban walkability seekers who want Northeastern authenticity
- →You're a Culinary enthusiasts (Johnson & Wales, farm-to-table restaurants)
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Providence cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $2,230 in Providence — a $540/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Providence?
Providence is more walkable with a Walk Score of 75/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Providence: which has lower state income tax?
Providence has lower state income tax (5.99% (top)). On an $80K salary, that saves $240/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Providence better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $380K in Providence — a $135,000 difference on the median home.