Rhode Island vs Montana Taxes (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between Rhode Island and Montana for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.

TaxRhode IslandMontana
State income tax (effective)5.99%5.90%
Long-term capital gains5.99%4.10%
Property tax (effective)1.53%0.74%
Combined sales tax7.00%0.00%
Retirement incomepartial-exemptpartial-exempt
Income systemprogressiveprogressive

Tax savings calculator

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Estimated 2026 burden

Rhode Island total tax

$21,294

Montana total tax

$21,115

Rhode Island state tax

$5,924

Montana state tax

$5,745

Difference

−$179

Montana saves you money

As % of income

0.15%

Federal tax is identical in both columns and excluded from the difference. Numbers use 2026 IRS brackets, state effective rates, and the 3.8% NIIT where applicable.

Relocation analysis

Moving from Rhode Island to Montana could save about $179 per year on this profile — roughly 0.15% of gross income.

  • Property tax difference on a $400k home: $3,160/yr.
  • Sales tax difference on $50k of taxable spending: $3,500/yr.
  • Capital gains difference per $10k gain: $189.

Key differences

  • Rhode Island: Top 5.99% bracket; partial SS exclusion.
  • Montana: No sales tax; top 5.9% income bracket.
  • Income system: Rhode Island is progressive, Montana is progressive.
  • Retirement: Rhode Islandpartial exempt; Montanapartial exempt.

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Comparison FAQs

It depends on income mix. Montana has an effective income rate of 5.90% vs Rhode Island's 5.99%. Property tax (1.53% vs 0.74%) and sales tax can swing the answer.

Related resources

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