Rhode Island vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,751
in Rhode Island
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.1 | 79.4 | +45% |
| Groceries | 101.4 | 95.3 | +6% |
| Utilities | 131.6 | 102.9 | +28% |
| Transportation | 99.7 | 92.9 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 100.8 | 96.8 | +4% |
| Dining & Misc | 110.0 | 95.2 | +16% |
| Overall | 110.7 | 91.1 | +22% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Rhode Island.
What things actually cost
| Item | Rhode Island | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $440,000 | $295,000 | +$145,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,611/mo | $1,112/mo | +$499 |
| Gas price | $3.40/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.19 |
| Electric bill | $214/mo | $87/mo | +$127 |
| Infant childcare | $16,758/yr | $10,706/yr | +$6,052 |
Salary equivalent: Rhode Island → Texas
What a Rhode Island salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Rhode Island | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,147 | +$8,853 |
| $75,000 | $61,721 | +$13,279 |
| $100,000 | $82,294 | +$17,706 |
| $150,000 | $123,442 | +$26,558 |
| $200,000 | $164,589 | +$35,411 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. 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 22% more expensive than Texas overall. Rhode Island has an index of 110.7 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Texas?
Texas is cheaper to live in. Rhode Island is 22% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than Rhode Island?
Yes, Texas is 22% 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 Texas?
Yes, Rhode Island is 22% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Rhode Island?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Rhode Island, you would need approximately $82,294 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.7 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Rhode Island and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $295,000 in Texas — a $145,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Rhode Island vs Texas?
Housing is 45% higher in Rhode Island (index 115.1 vs 79.4). Utilities is 28% higher in Rhode Island (index 131.6 vs 102.9). Dining & Misc is 16% higher in Rhode Island (index 110 vs 95.2).
Is gas cheaper in Rhode Island or Texas?
Gas averages $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.19 difference per gallon.
Rhode Island vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Rhode Island has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.7 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). Rhode Island is 22% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Rhode Island vs Texas 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
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.