Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Ohio versus $1,030 in Rhode Island. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Rhode Island, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $51,707 in Ohio and $66,772 in Rhode Island — about 23% higher in Rhode Island. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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
5.75%
7%
+1.3 pp in Rhode Island
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
5.99%
+3.2 pp in Rhode Island
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$1,030
+26% in Rhode Island
Median Home Value
$215,300
$322,800
+50% in Rhode Island
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$51,707
$66,772
+29% in Rhode Island
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
51.6°F
+1.1°F in Ohio
Ohio vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Rhode Island?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 21% below Rhode Island's $1,030, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Ohio 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 $33,000 a year in Ohio versus $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or Rhode Island?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 3/1 cities we track in Ohio/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.