If you get a good paying job in RI, then there is no need to live in MA. There are tons of Rhode Islanders who work in Boston (including my spouse) and wish they could work in RI but the pay is too low. Towns like Foster or Coventry may appeal to you and are a short commute from Providence. Tax wise it is simpler to fill out one state form than two...and you do end up paying more with two because the credit is not enough.