Cost of Living in Foster, RI
Population 4,481 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Foster a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $391,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Foster sits roughly 15 miles west of Providence — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 21% higher than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Foster
The median home value in Foster is $390,900 — 28% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,525/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,782/year is 49% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.6%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Foster has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% more expensive.
Foster 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 | 38 | 41 | 48 | 59 | 69 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 30 | 40 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.44 | 4.90 | 4.29 | 3.37 | 3.81 | 2.91 | 3.59 | 4.17 | 4.18 | 4.27 | 4.65 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 10.5 | 6.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Foster, RI?
Foster has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.
What is average rent in Foster, RI?
The median gross rent in Foster is $1,525 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Foster?
The median home value in Foster is $390,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Foster?
The median household income in Foster is $110,782 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Foster, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Foster is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Foster, RI affordable?
Foster is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Foster?
Foster has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Foster at a Glance
- Population
- 4,481
- Median Income
- $110,782
- Home Value
- $390,900
- Median Rent
- $1,525/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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