Massachusetts vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $938/yr more in Rhode Island

$78/mo · $36/paycheck more

Massachusetts
Rhode Island

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $58,780/yr in Rhode Island.

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

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 Massachusetts is 34% higher than in Rhode Island.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $77,594 in Rhode Island terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $18,814/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$440,000
Massachusetts
41% more
Rhode Island
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,611/mo
Massachusetts
92% more
Rhode Island
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
1% more
Rhode Island
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.40/gal
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$214/mo
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
1% more
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
33% more
Rhode Island
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$16,758/yr
Massachusetts
59% more
Rhode Island

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

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

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 Massachusetts take-home Rhode Island take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $40,480 -$625
$75,000 $57,843 $58,780 -$937
$100,000 $74,180 $75,205 -$1,024
$150,000 $106,291 $107,441 -$1,149
$200,000 $138,927 $139,905 -$978
$300,000 $200,177 $200,164 + $12

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Rhode Island?

At a $100,000 salary, Rhode Island results in $1,025 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. 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 Rhode Island vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $625/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,150/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $12/yr.

Do Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 10% higher than in Rhode Island. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and Rhode Island's is 100.9 (US average = 100).

Is Rhode Island cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Rhode Island has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 100.9 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Rhode Island?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Rhode Island (index 100.9). 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 $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $81,458 in Rhode Island terms. Conversely, $75,205 in Rhode Island equals $68,485 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 10% different between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Living costs are 11% above the national average Living costs are about 1% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Massachusetts 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

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · Rhode Island Paycheck Estimator · All states