Cost of Living in Pawtucket, RI
Population 75,280 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Pawtucket cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $286,000, rents near $1,152 a month. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles northeast of Providence, Pawtucket falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pawtucket
The median home value in Pawtucket is $286,200 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,152/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,436/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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%. Overall, Pawtucket has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pawtucket, RI?
Pawtucket has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pawtucket, RI?
The median gross rent in Pawtucket is $1,152 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pawtucket?
The median home value in Pawtucket is $286,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pawtucket?
The median household income in Pawtucket is $67,436 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pawtucket, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pawtucket is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Pawtucket, RI affordable?
Pawtucket is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
Pawtucket at a Glance
- Population
- 75,280
- Median Income
- $67,436
- Home Value
- $286,200
- Median Rent
- $1,152/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Rhode Island Rankings
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