Cost of Living in Newport, RI
Population 25,029 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Newport's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $670,000 for a typical home, 120% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $83,562 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 9.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Newport sits roughly 25 miles southwest of New Bedford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 106% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Newport
The median home value in Newport is $669,500 — 120% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,612/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,562/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, 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, Newport has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% 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 | 40 | 46 | 56 | 65 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 62 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 31 | 39 | 49 | 58 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 47 | 38 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.21 | 2.81 | 4.57 | 3.81 | 3.03 | 3.41 | 2.93 | 3.41 | 3.44 | 4.06 | 3.76 | 3.74 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Newport, RI?
Newport has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.
What is average rent in Newport, RI?
The median gross rent in Newport is $1,612 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Newport?
The median home value in Newport is $669,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Newport?
The median household income in Newport is $83,562 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Newport, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Newport is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Newport, RI affordable?
Newport is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Newport?
Newport 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.
Newport at a Glance
- Population
- 25,029
- Median Income
- $83,562
- Home Value
- $669,500
- Median Rent
- $1,612/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Rhode Island Rankings
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