Rhode Island vs Tennessee Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,751
in Rhode Island
$83,241
in Tennessee
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 | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.1 | 82.4 | +40% |
| Groceries | 101.4 | 96.8 | +5% |
| Utilities | 131.6 | 88.1 | +49% |
| Transportation | 99.7 | 88.7 | +12% |
| Healthcare | 100.8 | 86.4 | +17% |
| Dining & Misc | 110.0 | 95.3 | +15% |
| Overall | 110.7 | 90.1 | +23% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Rhode Island.
What things actually cost
| Item | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $440,000 | $310,000 | +$130,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,611/mo | $1,154/mo | +$457 |
| Gas price | $3.40/gal | $3.14/gal | +$0.26 |
| Electric bill | $214/mo | $97/mo | +$117 |
| Infant childcare | $16,758/yr | $12,249/yr | +$4,509 |
Salary equivalent: Rhode Island → Tennessee
What a Rhode Island salary buys you in Tennessee, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Rhode Island | Equivalent in Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,696 | +$9,304 |
| $75,000 | $61,043 | +$13,957 |
| $100,000 | $81,391 | +$18,609 |
| $150,000 | $122,087 | +$27,913 |
| $200,000 | $162,782 | +$37,218 |
Positive = your money goes further in Tennessee. 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 23% more expensive than Tennessee overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 23% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $310,000 in Tennessee.
Is Tennessee cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Tennessee is 23% 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 Tennessee?
Yes, Rhode Island is 23% more expensive than Tennessee based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Tennessee equals $100,000 in Rhode Island?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Rhode Island, you would need approximately $81,391 in Tennessee. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.7 vs 90.1).
How do housing costs compare between Rhode Island and Tennessee?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Tennessee. Median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $130,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/mo vs $1,154/mo.
What costs more in Rhode Island vs Tennessee?
Utilities is 49% higher in Rhode Island (index 131.6 vs 88.1). Housing is 40% higher in Rhode Island (index 115.1 vs 82.4). Dining & Misc is 15% higher in Rhode Island (index 110 vs 95.3).
Is gas cheaper in Rhode Island or Tennessee?
Gas averages $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island and $3.14/gallon in Tennessee — a $0.26 difference per gallon.
Rhode Island vs Tennessee cost of living — how do they compare?
Rhode Island has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.7 and Tennessee has 90.1 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 23% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Tennessee?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Rhode Island has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.99% on income above $166,950. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. It fully repealed its tax on investment income in 2021. Use the Rhode Island vs Tennessee 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 Rhode Island and Tennessee?
Rhode Island requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Tennessee — How much house can you afford?
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Tennessee Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Tennessee 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.