Louisiana vs Rhode Island Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,732
in Louisiana
$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 | Louisiana | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.5 | 115.1 | -27% |
| Groceries | 96.4 | 101.4 | -5% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 131.6 | -36% |
| Transportation | 97.3 | 99.7 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 100.8 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 100.0 | 110.0 | -9% |
| Overall | 92.9 | 110.7 | -16% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Louisiana.
What things actually cost
| Item | Louisiana | Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $440,000 | $230,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,183/mo | $1,611/mo | $428 |
| Gas price | $3.11/gal | $3.40/gal | $0.29 |
| Electric bill | $78/mo | $214/mo | $136 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $16,758/yr | $7,885 |
Salary equivalent: Louisiana → Rhode Island
What a Louisiana salary buys you in Rhode Island, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Louisiana | Equivalent in Rhode Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $59,580 | $-9,580 |
| $75,000 | $89,370 | $-14,370 |
| $100,000 | $119,160 | $-19,160 |
| $150,000 | $178,741 | $-28,741 |
| $200,000 | $238,321 | $-38,321 |
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 16% more expensive than Louisiana overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 92.9 for Louisiana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or Rhode Island?
Louisiana is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 16% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Louisiana vs $440,000 in Rhode Island.
Is Louisiana cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Louisiana is 16% 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 Louisiana?
Yes, Rhode Island is 16% more expensive than Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Louisiana, you would need approximately $119,160 in Rhode Island. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (92.9 vs 110.7).
How do housing costs compare between Louisiana and Rhode Island?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Louisiana. Median home prices are $210,000 in Louisiana vs $440,000 in Rhode Island — a $230,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,183/mo vs $1,611/mo.
What costs more in Louisiana vs Rhode Island?
Utilities is 36% lower in Louisiana (index 83.6 vs 131.6). Housing is 27% lower in Louisiana (index 84.5 vs 115.1). Dining & Misc is 9% lower in Louisiana (index 100 vs 110).
Is gas cheaper in Louisiana or Rhode Island?
Gas averages $3.11/gallon in Louisiana and $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island — a $0.29 difference per gallon.
Louisiana vs Rhode Island cost of living — how do they compare?
Louisiana has an overall cost-of-living index of 92.9 and Rhode Island has 110.7 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 16% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Rhode Island?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Louisiana moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.00% in 2025, replacing a three-bracket system. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99% on income above $166,950. Use the Louisiana 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 Louisiana and Rhode Island?
Louisiana 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
- Louisiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Louisiana vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Louisiana — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- Louisiana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Louisiana Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Louisiana 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.