1Tennessee
Lowest17.9%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $0
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $13,408
- Net income (annual)
- $61,593
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Rhode Island vs Tennessee Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,196 less state income tax a year in Tennessee than in Rhode Island, which is about $183 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,523 in favor of Tennessee.
Rhode Island: up to 5.99%Tennessee: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Rhode Island and Tennessee for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2Rhode Island
20.8%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,196
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,603
- Net income (annual)
- $59,397
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Tennessee
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133
Rhode Island
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,300
Monthly take-home$4,950
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Rhode Island vs Tennessee: how the two systems differ
| Rhode Island | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 3 brackets | No tax on wages |
| Top rate | 5.99% | 0% |
| Lowest rate | 3.75% | 0% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $11,200 standard deduction, $5,250 personal exemption | Not applicable |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | RI state tax | TN state tax | Difference | RI take-home | TN take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $508 | $0 | $508 less in Tennessee | $25,777 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $883 | $0 | $883 less in Tennessee | $33,437 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $1,258 | $0 | $1,258 less in Tennessee | $41,097 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $1,633 | $0 | $1,633 less in Tennessee | $48,757 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $2,196 | $0 | $2,196 less in Tennessee | $59,397 | $61,593 |
| $100,000 | $3,148 | $0 | $3,148 less in Tennessee | $76,032 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $5,523 | $0 | $5,523 less in Tennessee | $108,268 | $113,791 |
| $250,000 | $10,857 | $0 | $10,857 less in Tennessee | $172,325 | $183,182 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | RI state tax | TN state tax | Difference | RI take-home | TN take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,579 | $0 | $1,579 less in Tennessee | $63,044 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $2,516 | $0 | $2,516 less in Tennessee | $82,194 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $4,742 | $0 | $4,742 less in Tennessee | $118,443 | $123,185 |
| $250,000 | $9,872 | $0 | $9,872 less in Tennessee | $187,596 | $197,468 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, Rhode Island and Tennessee charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Tennessee is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Rhode Island (single filers)
| 3.75% | Up to $82,050 |
| 4.75% | $82,051 to $186,450 |
| 5.99% | Over $186,450 |
Tennessee (single filers)
Tennessee has no state personal income tax. The old “Hall tax” on interest and dividends was repealed after 2020.
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island also charges a temporary disability insurance payroll tax that is not included here.
Full details for each state: Rhode Island income tax calculator and Tennessee income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Rhode Island vs Tennessee FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Rhode Island or Tennessee?+
Tennessee is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,196 in Rhode Island. At $150,000 it is $5,523 in Rhode Island and $0 in Tennessee. For a single filer, Rhode Island and Tennessee charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Tennessee is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Rhode Island versus Tennessee?+
A single filer keeping $76,032 a year in Rhode Island would keep $79,180 in Tennessee after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,148 a year, or $262 a month.
How do the Rhode Island and Tennessee income tax systems differ?+
Rhode Island uses progressive rates up to 5.99%; Tennessee has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Rhode Island vs Tennessee comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from Rhode Island to Tennessee to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.