Quick answer
Rhode Island has lower average 1BR rent ($1,650/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Rhode Island (5.99% (top)) vs Illinois (4.95%) — on a $120K salary that's $540/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Rhode Island
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Illinois vs Rhode Island at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,650 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K ✓ | $380K |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Providence ($1,650) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Providence ($1,650) |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.99% (top) ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 75/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Rhode Island (5.99% (top)).
Salary $80K
$360
/year saved in Rhode Island
Salary $120K
$540
/year saved in Rhode Island
Salary $200K
$900
/year saved in Rhode Island
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Illinois (IL)
Tax reality
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is brutal — Cook County averages 2.3% effective. On a $500K home, that's $11,500/year. Homeowners feel this every month.
- ✕Chicago winters are genuinely cold. Lake-effect snow, mid-December through March subzero streaks, and winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel -20°F. This is the biggest filter for people considering moving here.
- ✕The state fiscal situation (pension debt, budget pressures) drives ongoing policy uncertainty — property tax, sales tax, and various fees continue to drift upward.
Rhode Island (RI)
Tax reality
State income tax reaches 5.99% (top bracket). Combined with property taxes averaging 1.0–1.2% and homeowner insurance running $1,500+/year (highest in region due to hurricane exposure), total tax burden on $300k income approaches $25k annually.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property taxes 1.0–1.2% are highest in region outside Massachusetts. A $500k home costs $5,000–6,000 annually.
- ✕Homeowner insurance averages $1,500–2,000/year (hurricane exposure). Flood insurance required in coastal areas adds $1,200–3,000 annually.
- ✕Job market small—limited career mobility without relocating to Boston or New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Rhode Island cheaper to live in?
Rhode Island has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,650/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $200/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $380K.
Illinois vs Rhode Island: which has lower state income tax?
Rhode Island has lower state income tax (5.99% (top)) vs 4.95% in Illinois. On an $80K salary that's $360/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $900/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Rhode Island?
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
What are the best cities in Illinois vs Rhode Island?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Rhode Island's largest metros include Providence. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.