Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $1,032 in Rhode Island. Overall, Rhode Island runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $87,536 in Rhode Island — about 8% higher in Rhode Island. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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)
North Carolina vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,032 runs about 23% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina 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 $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or Rhode Island?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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 2/3 cities we track in North Carolina/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.