Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,030 in Rhode Island. Overall, Rhode Island runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $66,772 in Rhode Island — about 18% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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)
5.30%
5.99%
+0.7 pp in Rhode Island
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,030
+9% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$322,800
+29% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$66,772
+18% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
51.6°F
+0.9°F in Idaho
Idaho vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,030 runs about 9% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Rhode Island?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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 1/1 cities we track in Idaho/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.