Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Providence to Phoenix
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Phoenix has higher median household income ($81,332 vs $68,119) and higher median gross rent ($1,582 vs $1,408) than Providence. Phoenix also has a higher median home value ($420,700 vs $362,200) and a slightly longer commute (28 vs 27 minutes). The simplified state income tax reference for Phoenix is 2.50%, while Providence’s state tax is excluded per source boundaries. These factors reflect trade-offs in earnings, housing costs, commute time, and tax context.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → ProvidenceMoving from Providence to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
+$174/mo
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$2,088 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+1 min / day
Difference of ~8 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTPRO → PHX
59/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$7,496after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference
Watch closelyThe $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above Dallas despite similar commute time
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Providence is about $2,088 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Providence household income$68,119
Phoenix household income$81,332
Providence gross rent$1,408
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Providence | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 191,767 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $68,119 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,408 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $362,200 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 27 minutes in Providence and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- Median owner-occupied home value
- One-way commute time
- State individual income tax reference
What each city wins
Providence
Median rent consumes about 25% of median income.. Watch lower rent burden may be offset by higher non-housing costs or limited income growth..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
Which city has higher housing costs relative to income?
Phoenix has higher median gross rent ($1,582) and home value ($420,700) than Providence ($1,408 rent, $362,200 value), but also higher income ($81,332 vs $68,119), so affordability depends on income-to-cost ratios.
How do commute times compare between the two cities?
Providence has a slightly shorter estimated one-way commute at 27 minutes, while Phoenix averages 28 minutes, based on 2024 ACS weighted midpoints from table B08303.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.