Cost of Living in Scituate, RI

Population 10,417 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

125
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Scituate sits on the smaller end of the Rhode Island city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 0.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Scituate sits roughly 11 miles west of Providence. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 131
Rent 117

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

About the Cost of Living in Scituate

The median home value in Scituate is $398,700 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,533/month, 17% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,047/year is 56% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.9%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Scituate has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$398,700
31% above avg
Median Rent
$1,533/mo
17% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.7x
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 87.0%
Renter-occupied 13.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,533
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,147/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
31.6 min
17% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.1%
Carpooled
4.7%
Public transit
1.7%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
8.8%

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
$116,047
56% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,645
Unemployment Rate
0.9%
80% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Labor Force Participation
58.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.2%
Graduate degree 11.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.7
Male median age 46.2
Female median age 52.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
43.1°F
Annual Precip
47.5"
Annual Snowfall
36.6"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384148596978848275645343
Low °F 222430404959656457453628
Precip" 3.963.444.904.293.373.812.913.594.174.184.274.65
Snow" 10.310.56.40.60.00.00.00.00.00.21.07.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scituate, RI?

Scituate has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.

What is average rent in Scituate, RI?

The median gross rent in Scituate is $1,533 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scituate?

The median home value in Scituate is $398,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Scituate?

The median household income in Scituate is $116,047 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scituate, RI?

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

Is Scituate, RI affordable?

Scituate is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Scituate?

Scituate has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Scituate at a Glance

Population
10,417
Median Income
$116,047
Home Value
$398,700
Median Rent
$1,533/mo
Unemployment
0.9%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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