Cost of Living in Woonsocket, RI

Population 43,074 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Woonsocket lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $268,000 — 12% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Rhode Island. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Woonsocket sits roughly 13 miles northwest of Providence — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 88
Rent 85

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

About the Cost of Living in Woonsocket

The median home value in Woonsocket is $268,000 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,116/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,614/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%, 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, Woonsocket has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$268,000
12% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$373,513
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,116/mo
15% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,594/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.0x
Favors buying
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 38.1%
Renter-occupied 61.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,116
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,730/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
30.8 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.3%
Carpooled
11.2%
Public transit
1.9%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
4.5%

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
$58,614
21% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,593
Unemployment Rate
8.1%
68% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.7%
Labor Force Participation
62.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.7%
Graduate degree 5.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 34.3
Female median age 38.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
59.5%
Good air days/yr
125
Max AQI recorded
240
PM2.5 days
123
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

73%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
6,027
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Woonsocket, RI?

Woonsocket has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Woonsocket, RI?

The median gross rent in Woonsocket is $1,116 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Woonsocket?

The median home value in Woonsocket is $268,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Woonsocket?

The median household income in Woonsocket is $58,614 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Woonsocket, RI?

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

Is Woonsocket, RI affordable?

Yes, Woonsocket is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.