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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Rhode Island: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

2.3% above

Cost of living in Rhode Island is 2.3% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Rhode Island (index 102.3; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Rhode Island is $1,418 a month.

Cost of living in Rhode Island by category

Overall prices

102.3U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+2.3% vs. U.S.

Goods
97.2 −2.8%
Housing (rents)
105.6 +5.6%
Utilities
146.7 +46.7%
Other services
102.8 +2.8%

BEA 2024 · Rhode Island Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,418/mo

Median gross rent

−5% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,038 −20% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,624 +9% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,689 About the same as U.S.
Median home value
$455,700 +26% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,262 +11% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$164/mo

Average electric bill

+5% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
28.3¢/kWh +55% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$22.05/Mcf +14% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
146.7

EIA July 2026 · Rhode Island Details: Utilities

Transportation

26.3min

Mean travel time to work

−3% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
71.3%
Work from home
11.6%
Gasoline (PADD 1A avg.)
$4.31/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$293/wk

Center care, infant

+69% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$283/wk +84% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$248/wk +72% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$260/wk +81% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Rhode Island county median (5 counties) Details: Child care

Income

$83,504/yr

Median household income

About the same as U.S.

Median rent as share of income
20%
Home value to income
5.5×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Rhode Island

Median gross rent in Rhode Island is $1,418 a month, 5% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 14.2% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 45.4% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $455,700, and 6.4% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Rhode Island vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Rhode Island: $1,418; U.S.: $1,487 Rhode Island $1,418 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Rhode Island: $2,262; U.S.: $2,035 Rhode Island $2,262 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Rhode Island: $455,700; U.S.: $360,600 Rhode Island $455,700 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureRhode IslandU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,418$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,262$2,035
Median home value$455,700$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Rhode Island

What renters pay in Rhode Island Share of renter households paying cash rent in Rhode Island by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 14.4%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.5%. Median $1,418. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 14.4% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 4.4% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 8.3% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 13.3% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 14.2% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 24.3% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 14.1% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 3.7% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.5% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,418 (Rhode Island) 24.3%
Show the data table
RangeRhode IslandU.S.
Less than $50014.4%6.1%
$500–$7494.4%6.8%
$750–$9998.3%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24913.3%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49914.2%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99924.3%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49914.1%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9993.7%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4991.8%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.5%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Rhode Island

Home values in Rhode Island Share of owner-occupied homes in Rhode Island by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 3.8%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 2.3%. Median $455,700. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 3.8% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 0.8% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 4.7% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 23.5% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 22.7% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 23.2% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 10.3% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $455,700 (Rhode Island) 23.5%
Show the data table
RangeRhode IslandU.S.
Less than $100,0003.8%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9990.8%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9991.5%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9993.1%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9994.7%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99923.5%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99922.7%12%
$500,000–$749,99923.2%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99910.3%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9994.1%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more2.3%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Rhode Island

Measure Rhode Island U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,418$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,038$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,624$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,689$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,262$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Rhode Island?

At the median, rent takes about 20% of household income in Rhode Island. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $56,700 a year.

The median home is worth $455,700, or 5.5 times the median household income.

Household income in Rhode Island

The median household in Rhode Island earns $83,504 a year, about the same as the U.S. median of $81,604. About 14.6% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 15.4% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Rhode Island vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Rhode Island: $83,504; U.S.: $81,604 Rhode Island $83,504 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureRhode IslandU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$83,504$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Rhode Island

Household income distribution in Rhode Island Share of households in Rhode Island by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.2%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 14.6%. Median $83,504. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5.2% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 3.9% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.4% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.3% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.2% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.7% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 14.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $83,504 (Rhode Island) 14.6%
Show the data table
RangeRhode IslandU.S.
Less than $10,0005.2%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9993.9%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9993.2%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.1%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.9%3%
$30,000–$34,9993%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.3%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.5%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.6%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.4%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.3%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.8%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.2%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99910.7%9.7%
$200,000 or more14.6%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Rhode Island U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $83,504$81,604
Median home value $455,700$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Rhode Island scored 102.3 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 146.7; the lowest is goods at 97.2.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Rhode Island: 102.3; U.S.: 100.0 Rhode Island 102.3 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Rhode Island: 97.2; U.S.: 99.6 Rhode Island 97.2 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Rhode Island: 105.6; U.S.: 100.6 Rhode Island 105.6 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Rhode Island: 146.7; U.S.: 98.4 Rhode Island 146.7 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Rhode Island: 102.8; U.S.: 100.1 Rhode Island 102.8 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureRhode IslandU.S.
All items102.3100.0
Goods97.299.6
Housing (rents)105.6100.6
Utilities146.798.4
Other services102.8100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Rhode Island paid an average of 28.3¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $164 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $22.05 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Rhode Island vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Rhode Island: 28.3¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Rhode Island 28.3¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Rhode Island: $164; U.S.: $157 Rhode Island $164 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Rhode Island: $22.05; U.S.: $19.40 Rhode Island $22.05 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureRhode IslandU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)28.3¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$164$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$22.05$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Rhode Island who commute spend an average of 26.3 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (71.3% of workers); 11.6% work from home. Gasoline in the New England region (PADD 1A), which includes Rhode Island, averaged $4.31 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Rhode Island price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Rhode Island: Drove alone 71.3%, Carpooled 8.6%, Public transit 2.1%, Walked 3.4%, Bicycle 0.7%, Worked from home 11.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2.3%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Rhode Island: Drove alone. Rhode Island Rhode Island · Drove alone: 71.3% 71.3% Rhode Island · Carpooled: 8.6% Rhode Island · Public transit: 2.1% Rhode Island · Walked: 3.4% Rhode Island · Bicycle: 0.7% Rhode Island · Worked from home: 11.6% 11.6% Rhode Island · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2.3% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationRhode IslandU.S.
Drove alone71.3%69.2%
Carpooled8.6%9.2%
Public transit2.1%3.7%
Walked3.4%2.4%
Bicycle0.7%0.5%
Worked from home11.6%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2.3%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Rhode Island

Travel time to work in Rhode Island Share of workers who do not work from home in Rhode Island by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.6%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 3.2%. Mean 26.3 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.6% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 9.1% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 12.6% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 17.2% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 16.1% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 6.6% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 12.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.7% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3.7% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7.4% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 3.2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 26.3 min (Rhode Island) 17.2%
Show the data table
RangeRhode IslandU.S.
Less than 5 min2.6%2.8%
5–9 min9.1%9.4%
10–14 min12.6%13.1%
15–19 min17.2%15%
20–24 min16.1%14.1%
25–29 min6.6%7%
30–34 min12.3%13.7%
35–39 min3.7%3.4%
40–44 min3.7%4.1%
45–59 min7.4%8.3%
60–89 min5.4%6.3%
90 min or more3.2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Rhode Island

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $293 a week in the median Rhode Island county (5 counties), or $15,255 over 52 weeks. That is 69% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Rhode Island (median of 5 counties) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $293$174
Center-based care, toddler $283$153
Center-based care, preschool $248$144
Center-based care, school-age $65$120
Home-based family care, infant $260$143
Home-based family care, toddler $254$132
Home-based family care, preschool $212$131
Home-based family care, school-age $217$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Rhode Island prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Rhode Island?

Median rent is $1,038 for a one-bedroom and $1,624 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Rhode Island?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 27.1% pay less than $1,000 a month, 51.8% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 21.1% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Rhode Island?

To keep the median rent of $1,418 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $56,700 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Rhode Island more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Rhode Island at 102.3 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 2.3% above average. Housing rents score 105.6.

How long is the average commute in Rhode Island?

26.3 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Rhode Island?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $293 a week in the median Rhode Island county (5 counties) in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.