Maine
High tax burden · COL index 107
Wins 8 categories
Rhode Island
High tax burden · COL index 114
Wins 5 categories
Maine's top income tax rate is 7.15% vs Rhode Island's 5.99%.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Maine
5
Rhode Island
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Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Rhode Island?
Overall cost of living in Providence, RI is 3.0% lower than in Portland, ME. The average listing price for a home in Providence, RI is $471,895, which is 22.8% lower than Portland, ME. The average cost of groceries in Providence, RI is 0.4% higher than Portland, ME.
What is the downfall of living in Maine?
That said, Maine isn't for everyone. Winters are long and harsh, job opportunities can be limited outside of certain industries like healthcare, education, and tourism, and access to amenities may be sparse in rural areas.
Are more people moving to Maine or leaving?
Maine ranked highest in New England and seventh nationally in net migration last year. International migration slowed in Maine in 2025 and across much of the United States. But domestic migration made up for the decline, with about 7,400 people moving to Maine from other states last year.
What are the pros and cons of living in Rhode Island?