Illinois vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$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 | Illinois | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 115.1 | -27% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 101.4 | -2% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 131.6 | -25% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 99.7 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 100.8 | +3% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 110.0 | -10% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 110.7 | -14% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $440,000 | $180,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,611/mo | $431 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.40/gal | +$0.20 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $214/mo | $106 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $16,758/yr | $651 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → Rhode Island
What a Illinois salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,263 | $-8,263 |
| $75,000 | $87,395 | $-12,395 |
| $100,000 | $116,526 | $-16,526 |
| $150,000 | $174,789 | $-24,789 |
| $200,000 | $233,053 | $-33,053 |
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 14% more expensive than Illinois overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 95 for Illinois (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Rhode Island?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 14% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $440,000 in Rhode Island.
Is Illinois cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Illinois is 14% 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 Illinois?
Yes, Rhode Island is 14% more expensive than Illinois 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 Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $116,526 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $180,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 25% lower in Illinois (index 99 vs 131.6). Housing is 27% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 115.1). Dining & Misc is 10% lower in Illinois (index 98.7 vs 110).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.20 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 14% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois 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
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — 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.