Side-by-side tax comparison between New York (10.9% top rate, graduated) and Rhode Island (5.99% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
New York uses a graduated income tax (4-10.9% + NYC local) while Rhode Island has a graduated system (3.75-5.99%). On a $100K salary, New York takes $8,585 in state and local taxes compared to Rhode Island’s $3,894 \u2014 a difference of $4,692.
Both states use graduated brackets, but New York’s top rate of 10.9% is higher than Rhode Island’s 5.99%.
New York also has local income taxes (estimated at $1,500/year on $100K), which Rhode Island does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Rhode Island wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | New York | Rhode Island | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $30,886 | $32,763 | +$1,877 | Rhode Island |
| $50K | $38,063 | $40,408 | +$2,346 | Rhode Island |
| $60K | $45,239 | $48,054 | +$2,815 | Rhode Island |
| $75K | $55,099 | $58,617 | +$3,519 | Rhode Island |
| $100K | $70,540 | $75,232 | +$4,692 | Rhode Island |
| $120K | $82,893 | $88,523 | +$5,630 | Rhode Island |
| $150K | $100,874 | $107,911 | +$7,037 | Rhode Island |
| $200K | $131,717 | $141,100 | +$9,383 | Rhode Island |
| $250K | $161,802 | $173,530 | +$11,729 | Rhode Island |
| $300K | $189,574 | $203,648 | +$14,075 | Rhode Island |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. New York has a cost of living index of 125 while Rhode Island is at 105 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in New York has purchasing power of $56,432 compared to $71,649 in Rhode Island. Rhode Island wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $76,125 in New York and $80,817 in Rhode Island \u2014 a difference of $4,692. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from New York to Rhode Island would save $4,692/year on a $100K salary, or $23,458 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $4,692/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.