Idaho vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$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 | Idaho | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 115.1 | -13% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 101.4 | -2% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 131.6 | -45% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 99.7 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 100.8 | +6% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 110.0 | -7% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 110.7 | -10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $440,000 | $20,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,611/mo | $207 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.40/gal | +$0.01 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $214/mo | $130 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $16,758/yr | $7,128 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → Rhode Island
What a Idaho salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,740 | $-5,740 |
| $75,000 | $83,610 | $-8,610 |
| $100,000 | $111,480 | $-11,480 |
| $150,000 | $167,221 | $-17,221 |
| $200,000 | $222,961 | $-22,961 |
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 10% more expensive than Idaho overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 99.3 for Idaho (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Rhode Island?
Idaho is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $440,000 in Rhode Island.
Is Idaho cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Idaho is 10% 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 Idaho?
Yes, Rhode Island is 10% more expensive than Idaho 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 Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $111,480 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Idaho. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $20,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 45% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 131.6). Housing is 13% lower in Idaho (index 100.3 vs 115.1). Dining & Misc is 7% lower in Idaho (index 102.4 vs 110).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.01 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Idaho has a flat income tax rate of 5.80%, simplified from a progressive system. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99% on income above $166,950. Use the Idaho 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 Idaho and Rhode Island?
Idaho 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
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho 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.