Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Rhode Island's overall cost of living index is 110.2, above the national average, driven largely by high housing and utility costs.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 102.3 | 100 |
- •Rhode Island's housing cost index of 127 is one of the key drivers of its overall high cost of living.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Rhode Island run high, with a housing cost index of 127 versus the national baseline of 100, reflecting elevated home prices and rents.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 105.6 | 100 |
- •Rhode Island's housing costs are 27% above the national average.
Utility Costs
Rhode Island residents pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, averaging 29.9 cents per kWh, pushing its utility cost index to 122.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Northeast region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU010072610).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 146.7 | 100 |
| Electricity rate (¢/kWh) | 29.9 | 16.2 |
- •Despite high per-unit electricity prices, Rhode Island has the lowest energy consumption per capita in the U.S.
Food Costs
Food costs in Rhode Island run about 4% above the national average, with a food cost index of 104 reflecting regional grocery and dining prices.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAF1).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 97.2 | 100 |
- •Rhode Island's food costs are more moderate than its housing and utility costs relative to the national average.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Rhode Island are close to the national average, with a healthcare cost index of 101, aided by one of the nation's lowest uninsured rates.
Medical care price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAM).
- •Rhode Island's 4.0% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the United States.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Rhode Island are moderately elevated, with a transportation cost index of 105, reflecting fuel prices and aging road infrastructure.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, New England region (PADD 1A), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1X_DPG).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.34 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Nearly 19% of Rhode Island's bridges are rated in poor condition, among the worst in the nation.