Cost of Living in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 7 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Median rent is lowest in Woonsocket at $1,116/mo and highest in Newport at $1,612/mo.
Rhode Island at a Glance
Cities Tracked
7
with census data
Avg Cost Index
97.9
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,301
per month
Avg Household Income
$75,899
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Newport | 97.9 | $1,612 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Newport | 97.9 | $1,612 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Rhode Island
State Income Tax
5.99%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
7.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Providence | 190,214 | — | $1,333 | $322,800 | $66,772 |
| Warwick | 82,871 | — | $1,299 | $322,000 | $87,536 |
| Cranston | 82,632 | — | $1,332 | $348,800 | $87,716 |
| Pawtucket | 75,280 | — | $1,152 | $286,200 | $67,436 |
| East Providence | 46,970 | — | $1,262 | $322,100 | $79,660 |
| Woonsocket | 43,074 | — | $1,116 | $268,000 | $58,614 |
| Newport | 25,029 | 97.9 | $1,612 | $669,500 | $83,562 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Rhode Island cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Rhode Island cities stack up across the US. For example, Providence vs Warwick.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Rhode Island
What is the cost of living in Rhode Island?
The average cost of living index across cities in Rhode Island is approximately 97.9 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,301/month and median household income averages around $75,899/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Rhode Island?
The most affordable cities in Rhode Island by cost of living index are: 1. Newport (index 97.9).
What is the median rent in Rhode Island?
The average median gross rent across cities in Rhode Island is approximately $1,301/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's top marginal state income tax rate is 5.99%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's statewide sales tax rate is 7.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a cost of living index of approximately 97.9 and average median rent around $1,301/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology