Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,030 in Rhode Island versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Rhode Island runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,772 in Rhode Island and $83,857 in Washington — about 20% higher in Washington. Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Rhode Island vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Washington?
- Rhode Island is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,030 runs about 23% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Rhode Island than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Rhode Island or Washington?
- Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Rhode Island/Washington — 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.