Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $900 in Alabama versus $1,032 in Rhode Island. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Rhode Island, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,687 in Alabama and $87,536 in Rhode Island — about 36% higher in Rhode Island. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Alabama vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Rhode Island?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $900 runs about 13% below Rhode Island's $1,032, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Rhode Island?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Alabama versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Rhode Island?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Alabama/Rhode Island — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.