Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,032 in Rhode Island. Overall, Maine runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Rhode Island, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $87,536 in Rhode Island — about 34% higher in Rhode Island. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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
5.5%
7%
+1.5 pp in Rhode Island
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
5.99%
+1.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,032
+16% in Rhode Island
Median Home Value
$214,200
$322,800
+51% in Rhode Island
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$87,536
+51% in Rhode Island
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
51.6°F
+5.8°F in Rhode Island
Maine vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Rhode Island?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 14% 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 Maine 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 Maine versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Rhode Island?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 Maine/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.