State Comparison
Massachusetts vs Rhode Island
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Rhode Island leads in 7 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $580,000 in Massachusetts vs $410,000 in Rhode Island — a $170,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Massachusetts has a 9% top income tax rate while Rhode Island has a 5.99% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.23% vs 1.63%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Massachusetts's index is 135 and Rhode Island's is 107.8 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Massachusetts and Rhode Island data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts or Rhode Island more affordable?
Rhode Island has a lower cost of living index (107.8) compared to Massachusetts (135), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
Overall, Rhode Island has a lower combined tax burden. Massachusetts has a 9% top income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.23% property tax. Rhode Island has a 5.99% top income tax, 7% sales tax, and 1.63% property tax.
What are housing costs in Massachusetts vs Rhode Island?
The median home price in Massachusetts is $580,000 compared to $410,000 in Rhode Island. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,890/month in Massachusetts vs $1,330/month in Rhode Island.
Which state is better for starting a business — Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
LLC filing costs are $500 in Massachusetts vs $150 in Rhode Island, with annual fees of $500 and $50 respectively. Massachusetts's 9% top tax rate compared to Rhode Island's 5.99% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Massachusetts to Rhode Island?
It depends on your priorities. Rhode Island wins in 7 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Massachusetts and Rhode Island
When deciding between living in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Massachusetts (MA) has a median household income of $89,645 with a cost of living index of 135. Rhode Island (RI) has a median household income of $71,169 with a cost of living index of 107.8.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Massachusetts calculator or Rhode Island calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.