Cost of Living in Portsmouth, RI
Population 17,740 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Portsmouth a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $536,000.
Located 15 miles southeast of Providence, Portsmouth falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 66% higher than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portsmouth
The median home value in Portsmouth is $536,200 — 76% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,577/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,500/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below 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, Portsmouth has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth, RI?
Portsmouth has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Portsmouth, RI?
The median gross rent in Portsmouth is $1,577 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth is $536,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth is $119,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portsmouth, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portsmouth is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Portsmouth, RI affordable?
Portsmouth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth 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.
Portsmouth at a Glance
- Population
- 17,740
- Median Income
- $119,500
- Home Value
- $536,200
- Median Rent
- $1,577/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Rhode Island Rankings
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