Colorado vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$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 | Colorado | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 115.1 | -5% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 101.4 | 0% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 131.6 | -33% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 99.7 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 100.8 | +5% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 110.0 | -6% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 110.7 | -7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $440,000 | +$90,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,611/mo | $88 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.40/gal | +$0.13 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $214/mo | $107 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $16,758/yr | +$5,082 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Rhode Island
What a Colorado salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,686 | $-3,686 |
| $75,000 | $80,529 | $-5,529 |
| $100,000 | $107,371 | $-7,371 |
| $150,000 | $161,057 | $-11,057 |
| $200,000 | $214,743 | $-14,743 |
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
Rhode Island is 7% more expensive than Colorado overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 103.1 for Colorado (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Rhode Island?
Colorado is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $440,000 in Rhode Island.
Is Colorado cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Colorado is 7% cheaper than Rhode Island overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Rhode Island more expensive than Colorado?
Yes, Rhode Island is 7% more expensive than Colorado based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Rhode Island equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $107,371 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Rhode Island. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $90,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 33% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 131.6). Housing is 5% lower in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 115.1). Dining & Misc is 6% lower in Colorado (index 103.8 vs 110).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.13 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Rhode Island paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- 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.