Rhode Island vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,751
in Rhode Island
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.1 | 118.3 | -3% |
| Groceries | 101.4 | 108.0 | -6% |
| Utilities | 131.6 | 98.8 | +33% |
| Transportation | 99.7 | 124.0 | -20% |
| Healthcare | 100.8 | 110.2 | -9% |
| Dining & Misc | 110.0 | 111.2 | -1% |
| Overall | 110.7 | 112.9 | -2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Rhode Island.
What things actually cost
| Item | Rhode Island | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $440,000 | $580,000 | $140,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,611/mo | $1,656/mo | $45 |
| Gas price | $3.40/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.29 |
| Electric bill | $214/mo | $90/mo | +$124 |
| Infant childcare | $16,758/yr | $20,677/yr | $3,919 |
Salary equivalent: Rhode Island → Washington
What a Rhode Island salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Rhode Island | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,994 | $-994 |
| $75,000 | $76,491 | $-1,491 |
| $100,000 | $101,987 | $-1,987 |
| $150,000 | $152,981 | $-2,981 |
| $200,000 | $203,975 | $-3,975 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 2% more expensive than Rhode Island overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 110.7 for Rhode Island (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Washington?
Rhode Island is cheaper to live in. Washington is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Rhode Island cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Rhode Island is 2% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Rhode Island?
Yes, Washington 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 Washington equals $100,000 in Rhode Island?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Rhode Island, you would need approximately $101,987 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.7 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Rhode Island and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Rhode Island. Median home prices are $440,000 in Rhode Island vs $580,000 in Washington — a $140,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Rhode Island vs Washington?
Utilities is 33% higher in Rhode Island (index 131.6 vs 98.8). Transportation is 20% lower in Rhode Island (index 99.7 vs 124). Healthcare is 9% lower in Rhode Island (index 100.8 vs 110.2).
Is gas cheaper in Rhode Island or Washington?
Gas averages $3.40/gallon in Rhode Island and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.29 difference per gallon.
Rhode Island vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Rhode Island has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.7 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington 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 Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Rhode Island vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Rhode Island vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.