Rhode Island
RINortheast · 2 cities tracked · Updated 2026
Rhode Island is more expensive than the national average. Across the 2 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 115 (US = 100) and typical rent averages $2,166 a month, 12% above the national figure of $1,932.
State Averages
Avg Gas Price
$3.98
Regular unleaded
Avg Rent
$2,166
All units/mo
Avg COL Index
115
vs. 100 national avg
Rhode Island Cost of Living Analysis
Where the money goes
The biggest cost pressure in Rhode Island is electricity, at 53% above the national average.
Rent trend
Rent rose an average of 4.2% over the past year across the 2 cities we track, faster than the 2.7% national change.
Affordability
Rent, gas, groceries, electricity and car insurance take about 52% of median household income in the counties we track, which ranks the 2nd highest of 51 states. Median household income there averages $78,204 (Census ACS 2023). Groceries are counted at what the average household in the region spends on food at home (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Energy and driving
Regular gas costs $3.98 a gallon, about the same as the $3.98 national average. A typical electric bill runs about $254 a month versus $166 nationally, and full coverage car insurance averages $2,380 a year versus $2,150.
Groceries
Grocery prices in the Northeast rose 1.6% over the past year (BLS food at home), compared with 1.8% nationally. Item prices on our city pages are national BLS averages, so local stores may be higher or lower.
Built from the AAA, Zillow, EIA, Bankrate, BLS and Census data on this site. National comparisons use typical rent of $1,932 a month and gas of $3.98 a gallon. See the methodology.
Cities in Rhode Island
Median Household Income by County
Source: Census ACS 5-Year 2023 · 5 counties
| County | Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1Bristol County | $110,926 |
| 2Washington County | $102,478 |
| 3Newport County | $100,859 |
| 4Kent County | $91,278 |
| 5Providence County | $78,204 |
Rhode Island Cost of Living FAQ
Is Rhode Island expensive to live in?
Rhode Island is about 15% more expensive than the national average. Across the 2 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 115, where 100 is the US average.
What is the average rent in Rhode Island?
Typical rent in Rhode Island averages $2,166 a month across the 2 cities we track as of September 2026, 12% above the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 7th highest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.
What is the cheapest city to live in Rhode Island?
Of the 2 cities we track in Rhode Island, Cranston has the lowest cost of living index at 112. The lowest typical rent is in Providence, at $2,166 a month.
What is the most expensive city in Rhode Island?
Providence has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in Rhode Island, at 118. The highest typical rent is in Providence, at $2,166 a month.
How much is gas in Rhode Island?
Regular unleaded averages $3.98 a gallon in Rhode Island as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), about the same as the national average of $3.98. That is near the middle of 51 states.
Is rent going up in Rhode Island?
Rent in Rhode Island rose an average of 4.2% over the past year across the 2 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.
How much is electricity in Rhode Island?
Residential electricity in Rhode Island averages 28.2 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $254.
How much is car insurance in Rhode Island?
Full coverage car insurance in Rhode Island averages $2,380 a year, or about $198 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 14th highest of 51 states.