Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,032 in Rhode Island versus $764 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Rhode Island, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $87,536 in Rhode Island and $69,171 in Wyoming — about 21% higher in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
4%
+3.0 pp in Rhode Island
Income Tax (top rate)
5.99%
None
+6.0 pp in Rhode Island
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,032
$764
+26% in Rhode Island
Median Home Value
$322,800
$302,200
+6% in Rhode Island
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$87,536
$69,171
+21% in Rhode Island
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.6°F
45.4°F
+6.2°F in Rhode Island
Rhode Island vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $764 runs about 26% 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 Rhode Island than in Wyoming?
- 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 $31,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Rhode Island or Wyoming?
- Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Rhode Island/Wyoming — 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.