Cost of Living in Kingston, RI

Population 6,953 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

162
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Kingston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $494,000. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Kingston is about 25 miles south of Providence, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 53% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 162

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

About the Cost of Living in Kingston

The median home value in Kingston is $493,500 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $82,143/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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 59.1°F and lows of 39.3°F. Overall, Kingston has a cost of living index of 162 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$493,500
62% above avg
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,233
1 BR
$1,319
2 BR
$1,614
3 BR
$1,945
4 BR
$2,359
Owner-occupied 78.2%
Renter-occupied 21.8%

🛒 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
17.7 min
34% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
45.9%
Carpooled
5.3%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
35.8%
Work from home
11.6%

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
$82,143
10% above avg
Per Capita Income
$14,838
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
73% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Labor Force Participation
40.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.3%
Graduate degree 47.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 19.6
Male median age 19.3
Female median age 19.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.1°F
Avg Low
39.3°F
Annual Precip
51.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373946566675807973625243
Low °F 192127364554605952413225
Precip" 4.173.855.694.503.583.993.314.084.304.494.385.23

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 40 — Good
80.8%
Good air days/yr
140
Max AQI recorded
189
PM2.5 days
166
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kingston, RI?

Kingston has a cost index of 162 (100 = national average). It is 62% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Kingston?

The median home value in Kingston is $493,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Kingston?

The median household income in Kingston is $82,143 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kingston, RI?

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

Is Kingston, RI affordable?

Kingston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 162 — about 62% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Kingston?

Kingston has average high temperatures of 59.1°F and average lows of 39.3°F. Annual precipitation is 51.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.