Cost of Living in Rhode Island
Overall index: 110.7 — ranked #14 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Rhode Island
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Rhode Island
Estimated annual spending: $71,545($3,455 remaining)
What things cost in Rhode Island
| Item | Rhode Island | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $440,000 | $360,000 | +$80,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,611/mo | $1,400/mo | +$211 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.40/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.10 |
| Electric bill | $214/mo | $137/mo | +$77 |
| Infant childcare | $16,758/yr | $13,500/yr | +$3,258 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.02 | $4.95 | +$0.07 |
| Monthly groceries | $416/mo | $410/mo | +$6 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Rhode Island vs national average
What a salary in Rhode Island is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,350 | +$5,350 |
| $75,000 | $83,025 | +$8,025 |
| $100,000 | $110,700 | +$10,700 |
| $125,000 | $138,375 | +$13,375 |
| $150,000 | $166,050 | +$16,050 |
| $200,000 | $221,400 | +$21,400 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Rhode Island to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Rhode Island with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.7, making it above average cost (ranked #14 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $440,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/month.
Is Rhode Island expensive to live in?
Yes, Rhode Island is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 110.7 (average = 100). Costs are elevated across most categories.
How much does housing cost in Rhode Island?
The median home price in Rhode Island is $440,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,611/month. Rhode Island's housing index is 115.1 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 15.099999999999994% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's grocery index is 101.4 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.02 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $416, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Rhode Island?
The average monthly electric bill in Rhode Island is $214 based on the state's residential rate of 24.15¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Rhode Island?
Center-based infant childcare in Rhode Island averages $16,758/year ($1,397/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Rhode Island?
A $75,000 salary in Rhode Island has the same purchasing power as $67,751 at the national average cost of living. Because Rhode Island is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Rhode Island Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Rhode Island taxes
- House Affordability in Rhode Island — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Rhode Island take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.