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A good salary in Rhode Island provides access to New England living at a lower cost than neighboring Massachusetts or Connecticut.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, RI average | $58,000-$75,000 | $48,000-$58,000 |
| Single in Providence | $55,000-$72,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Newport | $65,000-$85,000 | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Family of 4 | $95,000-$120,000 | $78,000-$95,000 |
Key benefit: Rhode Island offers New England lifestyle at lower costs than Massachusetts.
Why Rhode Island Is Moderately Expensive
Rhode Island factors include:
- Higher than average housing (median home price ~$420,000)
- Easy Boston access (45 min drive) supports higher prices
- Coastal premium especially in Newport area
- Relatively high taxes (income and property)
Good Salary by Rhode Island City
Providence
Providence is the state capital with a growing creative economy.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $68,000 |
| Comfortable | $52,000 | $85,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $115,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,500/month
Warwick
Warwick offers suburban living with airport access.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $72,000+ | $118,000+ |
Median home price: ~$385,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,400/month
Newport
Newport’s historic charm and sailing culture command premium prices.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $48,000 | $82,000 |
| Comfortable | $62,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $140,000+ |
Median home price: ~$680,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,800/month
Cranston
Cranston offers more affordable Providence-area living.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $65,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $82,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $68,000+ | $110,000+ |
Median home price: ~$360,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Rhode Island?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $58,000 | $215,000-$235,000 |
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $95,000 | $360,000-$395,000 |
| $120,000 | $460,000-$500,000 |
Rhode Island vs. Other States
| State | $70K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $55,200 | 112 |
| Massachusetts | $54,600 | 125 |
| Connecticut | $54,200 | 118 |
| New Hampshire | $60,500 | 108 |
Rhode Island is the most affordable southern New England state.
Rhode Island State Income Tax
Rhode Island has a graduated income tax:
- $0-$73,450: 3.75%
- $73,451-$166,950: 4.75%
- Over $166,950: 5.99%
The top rate of 5.99% is below neighboring states.
Top Industries in Rhode Island
- Healthcare (Lifespan, Care New England) — Average salary $65,000+
- Higher Education (Brown, URI, RISD) — Average salary $60,000+
- Defense (Naval Station Newport) — Average salary $75,000+
- Financial Services — Average salary $70,000+
- Manufacturing (jewelry, textiles) — Average salary $50,000+
- Tourism — Average salary $40,000+
Rhode Island Lifestyle
Pros:
- Compact state (everything within 45 min)
- Beautiful coastline
- Easy Boston/NYC access
- Rich history and culture
- Great food scene (Providence)
Cons:
- High property taxes (1.53%)
- Cold winters
- Limited job market compared to Boston
- Traffic can be frustrating despite size
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Massachusetts?
- What is a good salary in Connecticut?
- How much house on $70K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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