Connecticut vs Rhode Island
Rhode Island
Property Tax Comparison: Connecticut vs. Rhode Island
Intro
Both Connecticut and Rhode Island levy local property taxes that fund schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Connecticut’s effective property tax rate is higher than Rhode Island’s, which results in larger median annual tax bills for comparable home values. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify the lower‑tax state, and outline which types of residents are most affected by the differences.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Connecticut | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.92 % | 1.32 % |
| Median home value | $343,200 | $368,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $6,575 | $4,854 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $4,789 | $3,291 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $9,579 | $6,581 |
| Median household income | $93,760 | $86,372 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Rhode Island
- Rate difference: 0.60 % points (31.30 % lower than Connecticut)
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $1,498 less in Rhode Island
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $2,998 less in Rhode Island
Why Rhode Island wins
The effective tax rate of 1.32 % in Rhode Island is 0.60 percentage points below Connecticut’s 1.92 % rate. Because the rate is applied to the assessed value of the property, the lower rate translates directly into lower tax bills across the price spectrum, as shown by the $1,498–$2,998 annual savings on the example home values.
Who Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect yearly tax outlays. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Estimating future property‑tax expenses when budgeting for a purchase. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Evaluating whether a state’s lower tax rate aligns better with limited cash flow. |
| Real‑estate investors | Calculating operating costs and potential net returns for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | Comparing fiscal impacts of local tax structures across neighboring states. |
The data are most directly useful for individuals and families evaluating the cost of owning a home, especially those whose budgets are sensitive to property‑tax variations.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Connecticut’s property‑tax system: Connecticut property tax
- Detailed information on Rhode Island’s property‑tax system: Rhode Island property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Rhode Island imposes a lower effective property tax rate than Connecticut, resulting in lower median tax bills for comparable home values.
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.