California vs Rhode Island
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Rhode Island
Intro
Both California and Rhode Island levy property taxes on real‑estate owners, but the rates and resulting dollar amounts differ. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), California’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Rhode Island’s, while median home values and household incomes also vary between the two states. The following table presents the key metrics side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.32 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $368,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $4,854 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $3,291 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $6,581 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $86,372 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): California
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.61 percentage points, which is a 46.18 % lower rate than Rhode Island’s (0.71 % ÷ 1.32 % ≈ 0.538; 1 – 0.538 = 0.462).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $3,291 – $1,771 = $1,520 lower in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $6,581 – $3,542 = $3,039 lower in California.
Why California wins
The lower effective tax rate (0.71 % vs. 1.32 %) directly reduces the dollar amount owed per dollar of assessed value. Consequently, for identical home prices, California property owners pay less in absolute tax dollars than their Rhode Island counterparts.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how much they would pay in property tax if they moved between the two states. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Comparing the ongoing cost of ownership alongside home‑price differences. |
| Retirees | Assessing the tax burden relative to fixed‑income budgets, especially where property values differ. |
| Financial planners | Incorporating state‑level property‑tax rates into cash‑flow projections for clients. |
| Policy analysts | Evaluating how tax structures influence housing affordability and revenue generation. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate subjective judgments about quality of life, services, or other tax categories.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Rhode Island’s property‑tax system: Rhode Island property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect statewide medians and rates; local variations (e.g., city or county assessments, exemptions, and special assessments) may cause actual tax bills to differ.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.