Cost of Living in Johnston, RI
Population 29,559 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Johnston cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $326,000, rents near $1,242 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Johnston sits roughly 5 miles west of Providence. 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 Johnston
The median home value in Johnston is $326,100 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,242/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,514/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Johnston has a cost of living index of 102 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% more 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
🌤 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 Johnston, RI?
Johnston has a cost index of 102 (100 = national average). It is 2% above the national average.
What is average rent in Johnston, RI?
The median gross rent in Johnston is $1,242 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Johnston?
The median home value in Johnston is $326,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Johnston?
The median household income in Johnston is $87,514 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Johnston, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Johnston is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Johnston, RI affordable?
Johnston is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 102 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Johnston?
Johnston 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.
Johnston at a Glance
- Population
- 29,559
- Median Income
- $87,514
- Home Value
- $326,100
- Median Rent
- $1,242/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°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