Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,032 in Rhode Island. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Rhode Island, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $87,536 in Rhode Island — about 26% higher in Rhode Island. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Rhode Island
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
5.99%
+2.2 pp in Rhode Island
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,032
+33% in Rhode Island
Median Home Value
$177,100
$322,800
+82% in Rhode Island
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$87,536
+36% in Rhode Island
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
51.6°F
+2.3°F in Rhode Island
Iowa vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Rhode Island?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 25% 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 Iowa 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 $31,000 a year in Iowa versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Rhode Island?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% 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 Iowa/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.