Quick answer
Scottsdale costs $165/month less overall ($2,065 vs $2,230/mo). Scottsdale also has lower state income tax (2.5% vs 5.99% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Providence vs Scottsdale
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
Providence vs Scottsdale at a Glance
| Metric | Providence | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $2,050 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,000 ✓ | $2,050 |
| Median Home Price | $380K ✓ | $625K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $180 | $175 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $340 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,230 | $2,065 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 75/100 ✓ | 62/100 |
| Transit Score | 51/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| State Income Tax | 5.99% (top) | 2.5% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Scottsdale's 1BR averages $1,550/month vs $1,650 in Providence — a $100/month difference, or $1,200/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Scottsdale charges 2.5% state income tax vs 5.99% (top) in Providence. On an $80K salary that's a $1,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,400 vs $3,000 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Providence are $380K vs $625K in Scottsdale. At a 20% down payment, that's a $49,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Providence utilities run $5 more per month than Scottsdale. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Providence, RI
Providence's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Providence
New England winters (cold, moderate snow); humid summers; seasonal transitions are pronounced; 4 true seasons
Scottsdale
Desert with extremely hot, dry summers (108-115°F, <10% humidity). Mild winters (60-75°F, 40% humidity). Nearly 300 days of sunshine; virtually no rainfall May-October.
Job Market
Providence top industries
Scottsdale top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Scottsdale if…
- →You're a Retirees
- →You're a Wealthy professionals
- →You're a Healthcare workers
- →You're a Resort/hospitality workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Scottsdale is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,065 in Scottsdale vs $2,230 in Providence — a $165/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Providence or Scottsdale?
Providence is more walkable with a Walk Score of 75/100 vs 62/100. Scottsdale is more car-dependent.
Providence vs Scottsdale: which has lower state income tax?
Scottsdale has lower state income tax (2.5%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,600/year vs Providence (5.99% (top)).
Is Providence or Scottsdale better for buying a home?
Providence has lower median home prices at $380K vs $625K in Scottsdale — a $245,000 difference on the median home.