Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,030 in Rhode Island versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Rhode Island runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,772 in Rhode Island and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 5% higher in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
7%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.99%
None
+6.0 pp in Rhode Island
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,030
$1,142
+11% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$322,800
$270,100
+16% in Rhode Island
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$66,772
$63,204
+5% in Rhode Island
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.6°F
61.3°F
+9.6°F in Tennessee
Rhode Island vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Tennessee?
- Rhode Island is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,030 runs about 10% below Tennessee's $1,142, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Rhode Island than in Tennessee?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $41,000 a year in Rhode Island versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Rhode Island or Tennessee?
- Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Rhode Island/Tennessee — 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.