Cost of Living for Rhode Island (2026)
Rhode Island (RI) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
107
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$72,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,200/month
State Income Tax Rate
5.99%
How This Calculator Works in Rhode Island
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Rhode Island and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Rhode Island's cost of living index of 107 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Rhode Island Overview
Rhode Island has a cost of living index of 107, where 100 represents the national average. Rhode Island's cost of living is above the national average, driven by housing costs in Providence and the coastal areas. The state's small size means less variation than larger states. The median household income is $72,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $67,290 in an average-cost location.
How Rhode Island Compares
Rhode Island's cost of living index of 107 compares to Massachusetts's 135 and Connecticut's 113. Residents in Rhode Island generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 27% less than Rhode Island, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 79% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | COL Index: 135 | Massachusetts has a cost of living index of 135 and a median household income of $89,000. It is more expensive than Rhode Island. |
| Connecticut | COL Index: 113 | Connecticut has a cost of living index of 113 and a median household income of $83,000. It is more expensive than Rhode Island. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Rhode Island's index of 107 is above the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Rhode Island's median household income of $72,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Rhode Island Residents
- 1Rhode Island's cost of living is above the national average, driven by housing costs in Providence and the coastal areas. The state's small size means less variation than larger states.
- 2Rhode Island's median household income of $72,000 has a real purchasing power of about $67,290 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Rhode Island's top state income tax rate of 5.99% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Rhode Island between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.