Rhode Island vs Vermont Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,751
in Rhode Island
$66,079
in Vermont
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 | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.1 | 129.0 | -11% |
| Groceries | 101.4 | 105.5 | -4% |
| Utilities | 131.6 | 113.5 | +16% |
| Transportation | 99.7 | 103.3 | -3% |
| Healthcare | 100.8 | 111.8 | -10% |
| Dining & Misc | 110.0 | 106.3 | +3% |
| Overall | 110.7 | 113.5 | -2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Rhode Island.
What things actually cost
| Item | Rhode Island | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $440,000 | $370,000 | +$70,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,611/mo | $1,806/mo | $195 |
| Gas price | $3.40/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.04 |
| Electric bill | $214/mo | $163/mo | +$51 |
| Infant childcare | $16,758/yr | $18,836/yr | $2,078 |
Salary equivalent: Rhode Island → Vermont
What a Rhode Island salary buys you in Vermont, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Rhode Island | Equivalent in Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,265 | $-1,265 |
| $75,000 | $76,897 | $-1,897 |
| $100,000 | $102,529 | $-2,529 |
| $150,000 | $153,794 | $-3,794 |
| $200,000 | $205,059 | $-5,059 |
Positive = your money goes further in Vermont. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Vermont is 2% more expensive than Rhode Island overall. Vermont has an index of 113.5 vs 110.7 for Rhode Island (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Vermont?
Rhode Island is cheaper to live in. Vermont is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $370,000 in Vermont.
Is Rhode Island cheaper than Vermont?
Yes, Rhode Island is 2% cheaper than Vermont overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Vermont more expensive than Rhode Island?
Yes, Vermont is 2% more expensive than Rhode Island based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Vermont equals $100,000 in Rhode Island?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Rhode Island, you would need approximately $102,529 in Vermont. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.7 vs 113.5).
How do housing costs compare between Rhode Island and Vermont?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Vermont. Median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $370,000 in Vermont — a $70,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/mo vs $1,806/mo.
What costs more in Rhode Island vs Vermont?
Utilities is 16% higher in Rhode Island (index 131.6 vs 113.5). Housing is 11% lower in Rhode Island (index 115.1 vs 129). Healthcare is 10% lower in Rhode Island (index 100.8 vs 111.8).
Is gas cheaper in Rhode Island or Vermont?
Gas averages $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island and $3.44/gallon in Vermont — a $0.04 difference per gallon.
Rhode Island vs Vermont cost of living — how do they compare?
Rhode Island has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.7 and Vermont has 113.5 (national average = 100). Vermont is 2% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Vermont?
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. Vermont has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 8.75% on income over $229,500. Use the Rhode Island vs Vermont 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 Vermont?
Rhode Island requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Vermont 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
- Rhode Island Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Vermont Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island vs Vermont Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Vermont — How much house can you afford?
- Rhode Island Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Vermont Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Rhode Island Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Vermont Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Rhode Island Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Vermont 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.