Cost of Living in South Kingstown, RI

Population 32,005 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

141
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of South Kingstown's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $111,063 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

South Kingstown is about 30 miles south of Providence, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 59% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 168
Rent 101

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

About the Cost of Living in South Kingstown

The median home value in South Kingstown is $512,100 — 68% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,324/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,063/year is 49% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 59.1°F and lows of 39.3°F. Overall, South Kingstown has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$512,100
68% above avg
Median Rent
$1,324/mo
1% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,284
1 BR
$1,292
2 BR
$1,576
3 BR
$1,970
4 BR
$2,459
Owner-occupied 76.1%
Renter-occupied 23.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,324
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,938/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
24.4 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.0%
Carpooled
5.2%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
6.2%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
13.6%

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
$111,063
49% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,684
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
42% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Labor Force Participation
49.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.3%
Graduate degree 28.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.9
Male median age 38.9
Female median age 38.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.1°F
Avg Low
39.3°F
Annual Precip
51.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373946566675807973625243
Low °F 192127364554605952413225
Precip" 4.173.855.694.503.583.993.314.084.304.494.385.23

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Kingstown, RI?

South Kingstown has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Kingstown, RI?

The median gross rent in South Kingstown is $1,324 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Kingstown?

The median home value in South Kingstown is $512,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Kingstown?

The median household income in South Kingstown is $111,063 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Kingstown, RI?

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

Is South Kingstown, RI affordable?

South Kingstown is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in South Kingstown?

South Kingstown has average high temperatures of 59.1°F and average lows of 39.3°F. Annual precipitation is 51.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

South Kingstown at a Glance

Population
32,005
Median Income
$111,063
Home Value
$512,100
Median Rent
$1,324/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Avg High Temp
59.1°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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