Side-by-side tax comparison between Pennsylvania (3.07% top rate, flat) 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.
Pennsylvania uses a flat income tax (3.07% flat + local) while Rhode Island has a graduated system (3.75-5.99%). On a $100K salary, Pennsylvania takes $3,070 in state and local taxes compared to Rhode Island’s $3,894 \u2014 a difference of $824.
Because Pennsylvania has flat brackets while Rhode Island is graduated, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Pennsylvania’s flat rate is predictable, while Rhode Island’s graduated brackets may benefit lower earners but penalize higher incomes.
Pennsylvania also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Rhode Island does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Pennsylvania wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,092 | $32,763 | −$329 | Pennsylvania |
| $50K | $40,820 | $40,408 | −$412 | Pennsylvania |
| $60K | $48,548 | $48,054 | −$494 | Pennsylvania |
| $75K | $59,235 | $58,617 | −$618 | Pennsylvania |
| $100K | $76,055 | $75,232 | −$824 | Pennsylvania |
| $120K | $89,511 | $88,523 | −$988 | Pennsylvania |
| $150K | $109,146 | $107,911 | −$1,235 | Pennsylvania |
| $200K | $142,747 | $141,100 | −$1,647 | Pennsylvania |
| $250K | $175,589 | $173,530 | −$2,059 | Pennsylvania |
| $300K | $206,119 | $203,648 | −$2,471 | Pennsylvania |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98 while Rhode Island is at 105 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $77,607 in Pennsylvania vs $71,649 in Rhode Island. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,640 in Pennsylvania and $80,817 in Rhode Island \u2014 a difference of $824. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania would save $824/year on a $100K salary, or $4,118 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $824/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.