Cost of Living in Smithfield, RI

Population 22,075 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

111
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Smithfield is a smaller Rhode Island community of around 22000 residents, where median household incomes of $101,653 and housing costs ($409,000 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 — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Smithfield sits roughly 8 miles northwest of Providence. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 134
Rent 75

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

About the Cost of Living in Smithfield

The median home value in Smithfield is $408,700 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $990/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,653/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Smithfield has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$408,700
34% above avg
Median Rent
$990/mo
25% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
34.4x
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 81.2%
Renter-occupied 18.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$990
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,604/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
25.6 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.6%
Carpooled
3.7%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
5.5%
Work from home
14.1%

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
$101,653
36% above avg
Per Capita Income
$45,943
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
28% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
51.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.7%
Graduate degree 15.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.3
Male median age 39.5
Female median age 45.8

🌤 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 Smithfield, RI?

Smithfield has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.

What is average rent in Smithfield, RI?

The median gross rent in Smithfield is $990 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Smithfield?

The median home value in Smithfield is $408,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Smithfield?

The median household income in Smithfield is $101,653 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Smithfield, RI?

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

Is Smithfield, RI affordable?

Smithfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Smithfield?

Smithfield 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.

Smithfield at a Glance

Population
22,075
Median Income
$101,653
Home Value
$408,700
Median Rent
$990/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Rhode Island →
🗺️ County data for Rhode Island

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs