Cost of Living in Charlestown, RI
Population 8,017 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Charlestown is a smaller Rhode Island community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $103,147 and housing costs ($468,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Charlestown is about 35 miles southwest of Providence, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charlestown
The median home value in Charlestown is $467,700 — 53% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,499/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,147/year is 38% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below 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%. The climate averages highs of 60.5°F and lows of 44.5°F. Overall, Charlestown has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.
Charlestown has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 41 | 47 | 57 | 67 | 75 | 82 | 81 | 74 | 64 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 32 | 41 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 47 | 38 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 2.75 | 4.17 | 3.90 | 3.32 | 3.55 | 2.91 | 3.49 | 3.81 | 4.29 | 3.50 | 3.77 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Charlestown, RI?
Charlestown has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.
What is average rent in Charlestown, RI?
The median gross rent in Charlestown is $1,499 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charlestown?
The median home value in Charlestown is $467,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Charlestown?
The median household income in Charlestown is $103,147 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charlestown, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charlestown is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Charlestown, RI affordable?
Charlestown is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Charlestown?
Charlestown has average high temperatures of 60.5°F and average lows of 44.5°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Charlestown at a Glance
- Population
- 8,017
- Median Income
- $103,147
- Home Value
- $467,700
- Median Rent
- $1,499/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Rhode Island Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs