Kentucky vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

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Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $188/yr more in Kentucky

$16/mo · $7/paycheck more

Kentucky
Rhode Island

$58,968/yr in Kentucky vs $58,780/yr in Rhode Island.

Kentucky

Take-home per paycheck

$2,267.98

$58,968/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,6254%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,96879%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.5%

Rhode Island

Take-home per paycheck

$2,260.77

$58,780/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,8134%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,78078%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Kentucky is 17% lower than in Rhode Island.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,968 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $48,740 in Rhode Island terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead by $10,040/yr.

Housing
Median home$195,000vs$440,000
Kentucky
Rhode Island
126% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,047/movs$1,611/mo
Kentucky
Rhode Island
54% more
Groceries
Index
Kentucky
Rhode Island
2% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.16/galvs$3.40/gal
Kentucky
Rhode Island
8% more
Utilities
Electric bill$89/movs$214/mo
Kentucky
Rhode Island
140% more
Healthcare
Index
Kentucky
Rhode Island
8% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,756/yrvs$16,758/yr
Kentucky
Rhode Island
91% more

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Kentucky: Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Rhode Island: Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Kentucky take-home Rhode Island take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,605 $40,480 + $125
$75,000 $58,968 $58,780 + $188
$100,000 $75,680 $75,205 + $476
$150,000 $108,541 $107,441 + $1,101
$200,000 $141,927 $139,905 + $2,022
$300,000 $204,677 $200,164 + $4,512

Positive values mean higher take-home in Kentucky. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Kentucky or Rhode Island?

At a $100,000 salary, Kentucky results in $476 more annual take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

How much more do you take home in Kentucky vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $125/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,101/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $4,512/yr.

Do Kentucky and Rhode Island have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Rhode Island?

Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Kentucky is 12% lower than in Rhode Island. Kentucky's Regional Price Parity is 88.3 and Rhode Island's is 100.9 (US average = 100).

Is Kentucky cheaper than Rhode Island?

Yes. Kentucky has a lower cost of living than Rhode Island (index 88.3 vs 100.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Rhode Island more expensive than Kentucky?

Yes. Rhode Island has a higher cost of living (index 100.9) compared to Kentucky (index 88.3). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $75,680 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $66,229 in Rhode Island terms. Conversely, $75,205 in Rhode Island equals $85,936 in Kentucky terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead.

Kentucky vs Rhode Island cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 13% different between Kentucky and Rhode Island. Living costs are 12% below the national average Living costs are about 1% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Kentucky and Rhode Island?

Kentucky 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Kentucky Paycheck Estimator · Rhode Island Paycheck Estimator · All states