Cost of Living in Middletown, RI

Population 16,920 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

164
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Middletown is a smaller Rhode Island community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $97,650 and housing costs ($537,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Middletown sits roughly 20 miles west of New Bedford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 176
Rent 145

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

About the Cost of Living in Middletown

The median home value in Middletown is $536,600 — 76% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,906/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,650/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 43.8°F. Overall, Middletown has a cost of living index of 164 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$536,600
76% above avg
Median Rent
$1,906/mo
45% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.5x
Favors renting
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 58.7%
Renter-occupied 41.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,906
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,520/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
19.5 min
28% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.6%
Carpooled
7.5%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
4.6%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
9.6%

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
$97,650
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,184
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
Labor Force Participation
52.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.9%
Graduate degree 21.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.2
Male median age 43.3
Female median age 45.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.9°F
Avg Low
43.8°F
Annual Precip
42.2"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384046566574807972625344
Low °F 242531394958646457473830
Precip" 3.212.814.573.813.033.412.933.413.444.063.763.74

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Middletown, RI?

Middletown has a cost index of 164 (100 = national average). It is 64% above the national average.

What is average rent in Middletown, RI?

The median gross rent in Middletown is $1,906 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Middletown?

The median home value in Middletown is $536,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Middletown?

The median household income in Middletown is $97,650 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Middletown, RI?

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

Is Middletown, RI affordable?

Middletown is above average in cost of living, with an index of 164 — about 64% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Middletown?

Middletown has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Middletown at a Glance

Population
16,920
Median Income
$97,650
Home Value
$536,600
Median Rent
$1,906/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
58.9°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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