Kentucky vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$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 | Kentucky | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 115.1 | -35% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 101.4 | -2% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 131.6 | -33% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 99.7 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 100.8 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 110.0 | -7% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 110.7 | -17% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $440,000 | $245,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,611/mo | $564 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $3.40/gal | $0.24 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $214/mo | $125 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $16,758/yr | $8,002 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → Rhode Island
What a Kentucky salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,492 | $-10,492 |
| $75,000 | $90,738 | $-15,738 |
| $100,000 | $120,984 | $-20,984 |
| $150,000 | $181,475 | $-31,475 |
| $200,000 | $241,967 | $-41,967 |
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 17% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Rhode Island?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $440,000 in Rhode Island.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Kentucky is 17% 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 Kentucky?
Yes, Rhode Island is 17% more expensive than Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $120,984 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $245,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 33% lower in Kentucky (index 88 vs 131.6). Housing is 35% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 115.1). Dining & Misc is 7% lower in Kentucky (index 101.9 vs 110).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.24 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 3.50% for 2026, reduced from 4.00% in 2025. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99% on income above $166,950. Use the Kentucky 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 Kentucky and Rhode Island?
Kentucky 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
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kentucky 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.