Arizona vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$67,751
in Rhode Island
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arizona | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 115.1 | +11% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 101.4 | 0% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 131.6 | -21% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 99.7 | +2% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 100.8 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 110.0 | -4% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 110.7 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $440,000 | $45,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,611/mo | +$171 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.40/gal | +$0.57 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $214/mo | $101 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $16,758/yr | $1,133 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → Rhode Island
What a Arizona salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,181 | $-181 |
| $75,000 | $75,272 | $-272 |
| $100,000 | $100,363 | $-363 |
| $150,000 | $150,544 | $-544 |
| $200,000 | $200,725 | $-725 |
Positive = your money goes further in Rhode Island. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arizona and Rhode Island have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 110.3 and 110.7 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Rhode Island?
Arizona and Rhode Island have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Arizona cheaper than Rhode Island?
Arizona and Rhode Island cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Rhode Island more expensive than Arizona?
Arizona and Rhode Island have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Rhode Island equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $100,363 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arizona. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $45,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 21% lower in Arizona (index 104 vs 131.6). Housing is 11% higher in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 115.1). Healthcare is 7% lower in Arizona (index 93.4 vs 100.8).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.57 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.50%, reduced from a progressive system in 2023. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99% on income above $166,950. Use the Arizona vs Rhode Island paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Arizona and Rhode Island?
Arizona requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Rhode Island requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- Arizona Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arizona Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Arizona Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Rhode Island Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.