Cost of Living in Central Falls, RI
Population 22,481 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $45,921, median household incomes in Central Falls land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Central Falls sits roughly 5 miles north of Providence — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Providence's $323,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Central Falls
The median home value in Central Falls is $300,500 — 1% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,118/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,921/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Rhode Island's top state income tax rate is 6.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Central Falls has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Central Falls, RI?
Central Falls has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in Central Falls, RI?
The median gross rent in Central Falls is $1,118 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Central Falls?
The median home value in Central Falls is $300,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Central Falls?
The median household income in Central Falls is $45,921 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Central Falls, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Central Falls is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Central Falls, RI affordable?
Central Falls is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
Central Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 22,481
- Median Income
- $45,921
- Home Value
- $300,500
- Median Rent
- $1,118/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Rhode Island Rankings
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