Cost of Living in Exeter, RI

Population 7,100 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

128
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Exeter is a smaller Rhode Island community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $99,236 and housing costs ($470,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 20 miles southwest of Providence, Exeter falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 154
Rent 89

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Exeter

The median home value in Exeter is $470,200 — 54% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,176/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $99,236/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 40.1°F. Overall, Exeter has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$470,200
54% above avg
Median Rent
$1,176/mo
11% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
33.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,284
1 BR
$1,292
2 BR
$1,576
3 BR
$1,970
4 BR
$2,459
Owner-occupied 82.2%
Renter-occupied 17.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,176
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,790/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.2 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.6%
Carpooled
1.3%
Walked
0.1%
Work from home
12.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.0%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$99,236
33% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,096
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
9% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Labor Force Participation
55.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.5%
Graduate degree 19.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.2
Male median age 34.8
Female median age 39.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.9°F
Avg Low
40.1°F
Annual Precip
51.3"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 383946566674807972625243
Low °F 202128364656626053423326
Precip" 4.153.875.734.513.503.903.094.104.304.594.395.14

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Exeter, RI?

Exeter has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.

What is average rent in Exeter, RI?

The median gross rent in Exeter is $1,176 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Exeter?

The median home value in Exeter is $470,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Exeter?

The median household income in Exeter is $99,236 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Exeter, RI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Exeter is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.

Is Exeter, RI affordable?

Exeter is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Exeter?

Exeter has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.1°F. Annual precipitation is 51.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Exeter at a Glance

Population
7,100
Median Income
$99,236
Home Value
$470,200
Median Rent
$1,176/mo
Unemployment
5.3%
Avg High Temp
58.9°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Rhode Island →
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