Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts
Many of our clients live minutes from the state line and compare both sides. Here are the differences that change your budget most. We're licensed in both states, so you can compare homes without switching agents.
State income tax
RI: Graduated, 3.75% to 5.99%
MA: Flat 5%, plus an extra 4% on income above about $1 million
Sales tax
RI: 7%
MA: 6.25%
Car tax
RI: Eliminated as of 2023
MA: Yearly excise of $25 per $1,000 of the car's value
Property tax
RI: Set by each city or town
MA: Set by each city or town
Transfer tax (paid by the seller)
RI: $2.30 per $500, plus more on the part above $800,000
MA: $2.28 per $500 in most counties
When you sell
RI: Smoke and carbon monoxide detector certificate
MA: Fire department smoke and CO certificate; Title 5 inspection if the home has septic
Lead paint in rentals (built before 1978)
RI: Lead-safe certificate to rent
MA: Lead Law: hazards must be removed if a child under 6 lives there
Train to Boston
RI: Providence, Pawtucket/Central Falls and more
MA: Attleboro, Mansfield and more
| Topic | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Graduated, 3.75% to 5.99% | Flat 5%, plus an extra 4% on income above about $1 million |
| Sales tax | 7% | 6.25% |
| Car tax | Eliminated as of 2023 | Yearly excise of $25 per $1,000 of the car's value |
| Property tax | Set by each city or town | Set by each city or town |
| Transfer tax (paid by the seller) | $2.30 per $500, plus more on the part above $800,000 | $2.28 per $500 in most counties |
| When you sell | Smoke and carbon monoxide detector certificate | Fire department smoke and CO certificate; Title 5 inspection if the home has septic |
| Lead paint in rentals (built before 1978) | Lead-safe certificate to rent | Lead Law: hazards must be removed if a child under 6 lives there |
| Train to Boston | Providence, Pawtucket/Central Falls and more | Attleboro, Mansfield and more |
General information as of 2026, not tax or legal advice. Rates change; confirm with a tax professional and the city or town.
What we see with buyers
- ✓ The Massachusetts side (Seekonk, Attleboro) often has larger lots.
- ✓ The Rhode Island side (Pawtucket, East Providence) has more multifamilies and is closer to Providence.
- ✓ Property taxes vary a lot from town to town, so compare home by home, not state by state.
- ✓ If you work in one state and live in the other, ask your tax preparer how filing works.
Let's compare homes on both sides
Tell us your budget and where you work, and we'll show you options in both states.
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