Cost of living in Rhode Island
Statewide averages from BEA, with every metro area in the state compared.
What the numbers say
- Overall prices in Rhode Island are 2.3% above the national average, the 15th most expensive of 51 states and DC (BEA 2024).
- Utilities stand out in Rhode Island: household electricity, gas, water and sewer prices are 46.7% above the US average.
- After adjusting for local prices, personal income per person is $55,878 in 2017 dollars, 35th of 51 (BEA 2024).
- In Rhode Island, housing (5.6% above average) and everyday costs (goods 2.8% below average, other services 2.8% above average) are both above the US level, so the gap is broad rather than just rent.
- Providence, RI is the only metro area BEA measures in Rhode Island; its index is 101.8.
- Relative to the US, the price level in Rhode Island has barely moved: 103.6 in 2008, 102.4 in 2019 and 102.3 in 2024.
Written from this page's own figures. Price levels are for an average household basket and do not include taxes. How we calculate.
Where the money goes
Statewide price levels by category. Cities and rural areas within the state can differ a lot; see the metro table below.
In Rhode Island, utilities is the category furthest from the US average: 46.7% above
Price level by category, 2024. US average = 100.
Bars to the right of the line cost more than the US average; to the left, less.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| All items | 102.3 |
| Goods | 97.2 |
| Housing (rents) | 105.6 |
| Utilities | 146.7 |
| Other services | 102.8 |
Gas prices
Regular gasoline averaged $4.25 a gallon in the New England region in the week of October 19, 2026, $0.04 less than the US average of $4.28. EIA does not publish a separate weekly figure for Rhode Island, so this is the regional average. official
Work out your commute's gas cost
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, weekly retail gasoline prices, regular grade, including taxes.
Cheapest places to live in Rhode Island
BEA measures one metro area in Rhode Island: Providence, RI, with an overall price level of 101.8 (US = 100). Rural areas are not listed separately.
| Metro area | Overall | Housing | Goods | Utilities | Other services | Typical rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI | 101.8 | 103.9 | 97.1 | 148.8 | 102.3 | $2,166 |
Price levels: BEA, 2024, US = 100. Rent: Data Provided by Zillow Group, September 2026.
How prices have changed since 2008
Price levels relative to the whole country in each year, not inflation.
Rhode Island has stayed above the US average since 2008
Overall price level each year, 2008–2024. US average = 100.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 103.6 |
| 2009 | 103.9 |
| 2010 | 101.8 |
| 2011 | 101.1 |
| 2012 | 99.8 |
| 2013 | 101.4 |
| 2014 | 100.3 |
| 2015 | 102.0 |
| 2016 | 101.6 |
| 2017 | 102.4 |
| 2018 | 102.0 |
| 2019 | 102.4 |
| 2020 | 101.8 |
| 2021 | 102.2 |
| 2022 | 104.5 |
| 2023 | 102.1 |
| 2024 | 102.3 |
Goods: 100.3 in 2008, 97.2 in 2024
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 100.3 |
| 2009 | 100.9 |
| 2010 | 97.6 |
| 2011 | 97.9 |
| 2012 | 97.5 |
| 2013 | 97.3 |
| 2014 | 97.2 |
| 2015 | 98.6 |
| 2016 | 98.4 |
| 2017 | 99.3 |
| 2018 | 100.8 |
| 2019 | 98.9 |
| 2020 | 98.0 |
| 2021 | 98.2 |
| 2022 | 101.0 |
| 2023 | 98.3 |
| 2024 | 97.2 |
Housing (rents): 117.6 in 2008, 105.6 in 2024
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 117.6 |
| 2009 | 117.7 |
| 2010 | 115.8 |
| 2011 | 115.3 |
| 2012 | 107.9 |
| 2013 | 108.8 |
| 2014 | 113.8 |
| 2015 | 113.1 |
| 2016 | 108.1 |
| 2017 | 106.7 |
| 2018 | 110.2 |
| 2019 | 108.7 |
| 2020 | 102.9 |
| 2021 | 109.1 |
| 2022 | 104.2 |
| 2023 | 102.7 |
| 2024 | 105.6 |
Utilities: 137.2 in 2008, 146.7 in 2024
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 137.2 |
| 2009 | 138.8 |
| 2010 | 129.9 |
| 2011 | 123.0 |
| 2012 | 117.6 |
| 2013 | 121.6 |
| 2014 | 125.4 |
| 2015 | 129.6 |
| 2016 | 131.4 |
| 2017 | 130.9 |
| 2018 | 138.8 |
| 2019 | 141.2 |
| 2020 | 156.9 |
| 2021 | 146.2 |
| 2022 | 133.6 |
| 2023 | 145.1 |
| 2024 | 146.7 |
Other services: 100.6 in 2008, 102.8 in 2024
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 100.6 |
| 2009 | 100.6 |
| 2010 | 99.3 |
| 2011 | 98.4 |
| 2012 | 98.3 |
| 2013 | 100.9 |
| 2014 | 97.5 |
| 2015 | 100.1 |
| 2016 | 100.7 |
| 2017 | 102.0 |
| 2018 | 99.4 |
| 2019 | 101.4 |
| 2020 | 102.0 |
| 2021 | 101.2 |
| 2022 | 105.5 |
| 2023 | 102.7 |
| 2024 | 102.8 |
What incomes buy here
BEA divides personal income by local prices, so a dollar in a cheap state counts for more. This is income per resident (wages, benefits, investment income), not household or take-home pay.
After adjusting for prices, income per person in Rhode Island is $55,878, 35th of 51
Real personal income per person, constant 2017 dollars (adjusted for local price levels and inflation).
- Rhode Island
- United States
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, real personal income by state (SARPI), 2008–2024.
Show the numbers
| Rhode Island | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $44,945 | $45,816 |
| 2009 | $43,972 | $44,204 |
| 2010 | $46,328 | $44,808 |
| 2011 | $47,058 | $45,957 |
| 2012 | $48,058 | $46,796 |
| 2013 | $46,478 | $46,358 |
| 2014 | $47,949 | $47,661 |
| 2015 | $48,489 | $49,396 |
| 2016 | $48,694 | $49,828 |
| 2017 | $49,346 | $51,006 |
| 2018 | $50,171 | $52,242 |
| 2019 | $52,109 | $53,683 |
| 2020 | $55,800 | $56,514 |
| 2021 | $56,786 | $59,365 |
| 2022 | $53,223 | $57,104 |
| 2023 | $55,140 | $58,088 |
| 2024 | $55,878 | $59,195 |
Compare Rhode Island with other states
States with similar prices
- Connecticut 103.6
- New Hampshire 104.2
- New York 107.9
- Massachusetts 105.8
- Vermont 98.0
Sources and limits
- Price levels and real income: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Regional Price Parities and real personal income by state, 2008–2024. Last updated February 19, 2026: new statistics for 2024; revised statistics for 2008-2023. Downloaded 2026-10-21.
- Metro price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities by metro area. Typical rent: Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- State figures average cities and rural areas. Taxes are not included. BEA figures lag by about 18 months.