Suppose that 22 inches of wire costs 88 cents.
At the same rate, how much (in cents) will 44 inches of wire cost?
The cost of wire is directly proportional to the length of the wire. Therefore, if 22 inches of wire cost 88 cents, we can set up a proportion:
\(\frac{{22 \text{ inches}}}{{88 \text{ cents}}} = \frac{{44 \text{ inches}}}{{x \text{ cents}}}\)
Cross-multiplying, we have 22x = 88(44).
Simplifying, we get 22x = 3872.
Dividing by 22, we find x = 176.
Therefore, 44 inches of wire will cost 176 cents. Answer: \boxed{176}.