Cost of living in Rhode Island
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Rhode Island are 2.3% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 102.3 (U.S. = 100), making it the #15 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Rhode Island with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Rhode Island prices
- 5.1% cheaper
- Take-home in Rhode Island at $75,000
- $58,572$4,881 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $55,581$4,632 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +10.8%+$6,012 a year in Rhode Island buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Rhode Island take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Rhode Island with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Rhode Island as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Rhode Island? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Rhode Island prices by category
| Category | Rhode Island | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 102.3 | +2.3% |
| Goods | 97.2 | −2.8% |
| Housing (rent) | 105.6 | +5.6% |
| Utilities | 146.7 | +46.7% |
| Other services | 102.8 | +2.8% |
Rents in Rhode Island are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (102.1). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Rhode Island, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,453 | $40,547 | $39,643 | $48,885 |
| $75,000 | $16,428 | $58,572 | $57,266 | $73,328 |
| $100,000 | $25,068 | $74,932 | $73,262 | $97,771 |
At $75,000, Rhode Island ranks #40 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Rhode Island paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Rhode Island equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Rhode Island. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Rhode Island once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | +1.3% | $75,975 | $77,646 |
| Massachusetts | +3.4% | $77,550 | $79,385 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −15.0% | $63,749 | $61,472 |
| Mississippi | −15.0% | $63,761 | $61,405 |
| Iowa | −14.2% | $64,354 | $61,954 |
| Oklahoma | −14.1% | $64,414 | $62,728 |
| California | +8.3% | $81,189 | $84,235 |
| Hawaii | +7.5% | $80,625 | $84,018 |
| Washington, DC | +7.5% | $80,588 | $82,831 |
| New Jersey | +6.4% | $79,785 | $80,993 |
| Texas | −5.1% | $71,170 | $66,460 |
| Florida | +1.1% | $75,832 | $71,629 |
| New York | +5.5% | $79,136 | $81,228 |
Moving from Rhode Island to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rhode Island expensive to live in?
Rhode Island has a price level of 102.3 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 2.3% above the national average. It ranks #37 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Rhode Island?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $76,710 in Rhode Island before taxes. After Rhode Island taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,572 — worth $57,266 at U.S.-average prices, #40 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's housing price level is 105.6, meaning rents are 5.6% above the national average. Goods are 97.2 and utilities 146.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Connecticut (price level 103.6, +1.3% vs Rhode Island). A $75,000 Rhode Island salary is equivalent to $77,646 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.