Americans love Rhode Island! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-rated college town to beautiful beaches, the Ocean State has got it all.
The median home value for Rhode Island is $454,800. The state scores 72/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Providence and Warwick are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Let’s explore the best places to live in Rhode Island.
3 Reasons to Live in Rhode Island 🏖️
- Excellent Job Opportunities: Rhode Island plans to reach up to 547,985 jobs across different sectors by 2028, a 3.9% increase since 2018.
- Easy Access to Major States: Rhode Island is in close proximity to major states on the ease coast like Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- Pristine Beaches: Rhode Island’s 400 miles of coastline provide inhabitants with quiet beaches.
Best Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cranston | 82,691 | $420,000 | $8,275 | 3.2% | 64/100 |
| 2. | Providence | 189,715 | $407,000 | $8,730 | 4.3% | 62/100 |
| 3. | Warwick | 82,783 | $373,700 | $8,713 | 2.7% | 62/100 |
| 4. | Newport | 25,087 | $950,000 | $10,514 | 3.2% | 65/100 |
| 5. | Pawtucket | 75,176 | $410,000 | $8,730 | 4.0% | 64/100 |
| 6. | Woonsocket | 43,029 | $403,000 | $8,730 | 4.9% | 64/100 |
| 7. | Bristol | 22,420 | $625,000 | $9,353 | 2.80% | 72/100 |
1. Cranston
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.8% |
| Median Income | $83,123 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,275 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
Cranston is among the oldest communities in New England and is among the best cities to live in Rhode Island for history geeks. The median home price is 4.47% above the national average of $402,045. The cost of living is 3.3% lower than the state average.
From the Governor Sprague Mansion to numerous restaurants, the city has a lot to offer. You can attend various concerts at the Park Theater. In addition, you can also enjoy the annual Cranston Greek Festival if you’re into Greek culture.
» Homes for Sale in Cranston, RI: Find your home in this vibrant city.
2. Providence
| Home Value | ⬆️ 10.1% |
| Median Income | $61,365 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,730 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
Known for its mesmerizing architecture, the capital city has an archaic yet modern vibe. The median home price is just 1.2% more than the national average. The cost of living is 3.3% lower than the state average.
The city is big on art and culture, you can spend a day out at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Apart from this, nature lovers can enjoy lush green spaces and zoos like Rogers Williams Park.
» Homes For Sale in Providence, RI: View thousands of property listings in the Renaissance City.
3. Warwick
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.2% |
| Median Income | $81,009 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,713 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% |
Warwick rests on the front of Greenwich Bay and offers abundant natural beauty. It is one of the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island due to the median home price being 7% lower than the national average. Besides that, the living costs are 5.8% lower than the state average.
It is among Rhode Island’s coolest places. You can walk down Warwick Neck Avenue to spend free time and enjoy beautiful architecture. Apart from that, Apponaug Harbor offers a picturesque dining experience with a variety of American and Italian cuisine.
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4. Newport
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.6% |
| Median Income | $81,330 |
| Monthly Expenses | $10,514 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
Newport sits on the tip of Aquidneck Island. Despite being the smallest city in Rhode Island, it is expensive. The median home price is close to a million dollars and the cost of living is 30.3% higher than the rest of the country.
Properties such as the Beakers House and Rosecliff reflect the architectural marvels of historical times. Apart from this, the highest number of employment is there in defense-related jobs. The Navy is the biggest employer, with 9,000 personnel.
» Homes for Sale in Newport, RI: Live in one of the nicest towns in RI.
5. Pawtucket
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.6% |
| Median Income | $62,799 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,730 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% |
Pawtucket is known as the birthplace of American industry, the Slater Mill Historic Site is a true example. The median home price is just 2% more than the national average. The overall cost of living is 5% higher than the rest of the country.
It is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island if you love historic culture and art. Moreover, you can enjoy the Pawtucket Arts Festival, watch local artists perform, and explore the creative spirit of the city.
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6. Woonsocket
| Home Value | ⬆️ 11.0% |
| Median Income | $54,398 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,730 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.9% |
Located in the south of Massachusetts, the city boasts a culture of diverse communities. The median home price in Woonsocket is almost the same as the national average. The cost of living is 3.3% lower than the state average.
The city offers an ancient yet urban vibe. You can learn about the city’s Industrial Revolution at the Museum of Work and Culture. On the other hand, there are a lot of bars and restaurants that offer a happening experience.
» Homes For Sale in Woonsocket, RI: Make yourself a part of Woony.
7. Bristol
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.5% |
| Median Income | $105,875 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,353 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
Bristol is the hub of patriotism due to the long-standing Independence Day festivities. The median home price is approximately $200,000 more than the national average. The cost of living is 5.5% more than the state average.
This serene coastal town offers amazing waterfront views that captivate Americans and draw them in. Moreover, the city offers ample green spaces, such as Colt State Park and Narragansett Bay.
» Homes for Sale in Bristol, RI: View thousands of listings in America’s most patriotic city.
Bottom Line
Rhode Island is one of the best places to live in the US due to its strong economy and the large job market. Other factors that contribute are easy access to coastal areas and other urban cities.
The Ocean State has a cost of living that is 12.5% more than the national average. However, groceries are 2% more affordable than the rest of the country.
Besides that, home prices are irregular across the state. In some cities, home prices are as low as $300K, and go up to millions. So, before you move to Rhode Island, it’s better to do some research. You can search for houses online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Rhode Island’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in RI
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places to live in Rhode Island. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Rhode Island and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Rhode Island Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] and Rhode Island State Archives[7]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[8]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Rhode Island for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island?
Warwick, East Providence, Central Falls, etc. are among the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island. This is primarily due to low home prices and cost of living.
Which billionaire lives in Rhode Island?
The only billionaire from Rhode Island, Jonathan Nelson, founder of Providence Equity Partners, lives in Providence.
Which is the safest place to live in Rhode Island?
Bristol tops the list of the safest cities to live in America. However, the cost of living is a bit expensive, but it can be the perfect choice if you can afford it.
