Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5

Updated On October 6, 2023
Rhode Island building

Rhode Island, or officially the State of Rhode Island, is located in the Northeastern territory of the U.S.

This state is the smallest by area and has the seventh-least population.

But, no matter how much this state is small, it has so much to offer.

Rhode Island borders Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

In the text below, you can find everything you need to know about the actual prices of living in this Ocean State.

Plus, we have analyzed the top five most pricey cities in this state.

The Cost  of Living in This State

Similar to all northeastern neighbors, Rhode Island has an increased cost of living.

Compared with all other American states, this state has the 17th highest overall cost of living.

As housing is one of the most vital parts of the financial budget, the typical home is worth $260,900, or around $50.000 more than the national average home value.

Food Costs

Food prices are another daily expense in our lives.

So we need to know the actual prices for food in supermarkets and restaurants in this city.

To start with supermarkets, in Rhode Island, you can find out a loaf of fresh white bread for around $1.95.

One-liter milk is around $1, while eggs (regular 12) are not much than $2.50.

As for restaurant prices – a meal in an inexpensive restaurant for one person is $14.

A meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is $55 up.

Compared to other states in America, we can say that in Rhode Island food is not so expensive.

Utility Costs

Utility costs vary from city to city in Rhode Island.

Regularly, the utility bill for basics such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for an 85m2 Apartment is $210.90.

Transportation Costs

One question you may have about Providence is – “How do I get around?”

While driving your vehicle is an option, there are many other available choices.

Have you ever thought about the local transport here?

For example, a one-way ticket.

It will cost you more than $2.00, while a monthly pass is $70.

These prices for local buses are not so affordable, compared to transportation prices in other U.S states.

The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State

The average cost of living is pretty high, but it could vary depending on the location in the state of Rhode Island.

However, here are the top five most expensive cities in Rhode Island.

Providence

Providence might seem like a small city, but it has extensive offerings.

With fascinating local history, a growing job market, affordable housing, and tons of fun things to do – you will love living in Providence.

It is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

While it is the capital city of this state, there is an expensive cost of living, also.

Momentarily, the average cost of living in Providence is $1665.

Although there are low transportation costs in Rhode Island generally, in this capital city is not always like that.

In brief, for a one-way bus ticket, you should expect to pay roughly $3.90.

As for monthly transport, the pass is – $72.

Having a perfect lunch for two people is around $54, while a diner for one person is $18.

Compared to other cities’ prices, we can sum up that they are pretty costly.

That means for food prices also.

One-liter milk in a supermarket is around $2.90, a loaf of bread is $3.10, while eggs (12 regulars) are more than $3.

Cranston

This city is a fantastic place to live and work.

The average cost of living in Cranston is $1740, which is in the top 26% of the most expensive cities in the world.

As for restaurant prices, we can note that they are near the same as in Providence.

That makes this city the most expensive city in this state.

However, Cranston has lower prices for transportation.

For example, a one-way ticket for local transport is $2.59, while a monthly transport pass is only $43.

But, here we go with the leisure costs.

A ticket to a cinema could cost you around $16 and a gym membership is much more than $50 per one month.

Warwick

Warwick is a small city in this state, simply south of Providence.

It is the second-largest city in the state.

In this attractive city, the housing expenses are almost 60% higher than the national average.

Therefore, the average home price in this fantastic city is enormously $557,059, and the average rent per month is $1,745.

Wow! That is a really huge price.

And, with transportation costs is exactly like home prices.

Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 4% higher than the national average.

Also, healthcare in Warwick is 8% higher than the national average.

So, be prepared for one visit to the doctor to pay more than $128 and for a dentist appointment $108.

Pawtucket

Pawtucket is a city in Providence country, just in the northeastern area of Rhode Island.

It is a beautiful and welcoming place to live.

Most people tend to be very friendly.

But this city is one of the most expensive in whole Rhode Island.

The average cost of living is $1790, putting in the top $29 of the most expensive cities worldwide.

The lunch menu for one person in a restaurant is above $18, while dinner for two people is more than $65.

And, we have to take a look at some of the healthcare costs in Pawtucket.

The average price of a doctor’s appointment is $139, while the average cost of a dental visit is $110.

The average price of prescription medication is highly $390.

If you have a pet, you need to know that the average price of a veterinary appointment in this city will cost you around $50.

East Providence

East Providence is a city in Providence County, which is in Rhode Island, United States.

The population is 47,139, which makes it the fourth-largest city in the state by population.

This city is full of charm, history, and lifestyle.

The average cost of living in East Providence is $1590.

Moreover, a dinner for two in a restaurant is more than $59, while a lunch menu for one person is the same as in Providence.

A monthly pass for local transport is above $78, which is pretty overpriced.

A gum membership per one month costs around $20, while a one cinema ticket is $13.

Rhode Island Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Rhode Island Safety Review

Safety Index:
85
Rhode Island
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
  • SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

2 Comments on Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5

  1. Live where you feel happiest. Life is short.

  2. Living in Rhode Island cities can be expensive, but the quality of life makes it worth every penny.

Leave a Comment

Share
Facebook Pinterest Comment Comment
2