10 Cheapest Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2025

9 mins read Feb 05, 2025
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Prayas Biswas

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Prayas Biswas

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About Prayas B. is a detail-oriented content editor specializing in American real estate. In his free time, he enjoys hitting the pitch for a game of football or watching motorsports. Find Prayas Here linkedin
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Rhode Island attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Excellent healthcare, affordable homes, and serene beaches. You can’t go wrong with the Ocean State!

Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $500,000. Warwick’s cost of living is 5.8% lower than the state average, and Central Falls is 3.3% more affordable than the rest of the country.

But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Warwick’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $384K. Meanwhile, Providence offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $400,873.

👉 Rhode Island Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Rhode Island most affordable cities!

Cheapest Places to Live in Rhode Island in 2025

Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Rhode Island. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.

CityMedian Home ValueMedian House RentCost of Living Compared to State AverageMedian Household IncomePopulation
1. Central Falls$352,746 $1,6503.3% lower ⬇️$41,841119,669
2. Woonsocket $368,411$1,6003.3% lower ⬇️$51,451114,990
3. Pawtucket$376,946$1,7503.3% lower ⬇️$62,71339,881
4. Warwick$384,945$2,600 5.8% lower ⬇️$66,61635,550
5. Providence$400,873 $2,200 3.3% lower ⬇️$53,76674,080
6. East Providence$410,941$2,0003.3% lower ⬇️$64,24450,654
7. Cranston $427,465$2,0003.3% lower ⬇️$56,23727,560
8. West Warwick$367,935 $1,850 5.8% lower ⬇️$82,09461,601
9. Cumberland$486,016$2,2003.3% lower ⬇️$63,671 60,111
10. Lincoln$521,369$1,9503.3% lower ⬇️$104,50352,793

10 Cheapest Places to Live in Rhode Island

Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Ocean State:

#1 Central Falls

  • Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $1,125 and $2,400.
  • Median home value of Central Falls is $352,746.
  • Cost of living in Central Falls is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Central Falls’ housing prices are 13% less than the US median. The city is home to Central Falls High School and is close to several community colleges and universities. It is also known for its cultural diversity, with events like the Central Falls Hispanic Heritage Festival celebrating its vibrant community. This makes Central Falls ideal for families and students.

» Central Falls Homes for Sale: Find your dream in the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island.

#2 Woonsocket

  • Median house rent is $1,600 | Rental prices range between $850 and $3,300.
  • Median home value of Woonsocket is $368,411.
  • Cost of living in Woonsocket is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Woonsocket is known for its rich history, with landmarks like the Museum of Work and Culture. The city also offers recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping at River Island Park and Cass Park. Annual events like the Autumnfest draw crowds with live music, food, and carnival rides. These combined factors make Woonsocket an ideal place for families and professionals.

» Woonsocket Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in cheap RI cities.

#3 Pawtucket

  • Median house rent is $1,750 | Rental prices range between $750 and $3,500.
  • Median home value of Pawtucket is $376,946.
  • Cost of living in Pawtucket is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Pawtucket is a vibrant city known for its arts and culture, making it ideal for professionals and creatives. It is famous for its Slater Mill, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, and the Pawtucket Arts Festival, which celebrates local artists and performers. The city is also home to Pawtucket Public Schools and is close to Rhode Island College for students.

» Pawtucket Homes for Sale: Search cheap houses for sale in Rhode Island.

#4 Warwick

  • Median house rent is $2,600 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $6,000.
  • Median home value of Warwick is $384,945.
  • Cost of living in Warwick is 5.8% cheaper than the state average.

Warwick offers cheaper healthcare costs are 13% below the national average, which makes it ideal for seniors and retirees. It boasts historical attractions like Forge Pond Farm and The Aldrich Mansion for history enthusiasts. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as golfing at Quidnessett Country Club or exploring Goddard State Memorial Park.

» Warwick Homes for Sale: Checkout cheap properties in Warwick to live.

🏡 Ready to Buy a Home in Rhode Island?
Use a Rhode Island Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.

#5 Providence

  • Median house rent is $2,200 | Rental prices range between $675 and $25,032.
  • Median home value of Providence is $400,873.
  • Cost of living in Providence is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Providence Rhode Island’s major cities is also known as a cultural and educational hub. It is ideal for young adults, and professionals due to the presence of the Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. It is also famous for its historic landmarks like the Providence Performing Arts Center and WaterFire, a unique art installation and festival.

» Providence Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in the capital city.

#6 East Providence

  • Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $1,125 and $4,000.
  • Median home value of East Providence is $410,941.
  • Cost of living in East Providence is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

You can comfortably live in East Providence with an average household income of $79,660. The city has excellent schools like East Providence High School and is close to Providence College. It is known for its recreational spots like biking and hiking at Bold Point Park and Hunt’s Mills Park. With its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to Providence, it is great for families and young adults.

» East Providence Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island.

#7 Cranston

  • Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $800 and $4,000.
  • Median home value of Cranston is $427,465.
  • Cost of living in Cranston is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Cranston is known for its historic landmarks like the Governor Sprague Mansion, and recreational spots like Roger Williams Park. The city is home to major employers like MetLife, Amica Mutual Insurance, and Hasbro, providing ample jobs in finance and insurance. Annual events like the Cranston Greek Festival enhance the city’s vibrant community spirit, making it a dynamic place to live and work.

» Cranston Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in one of the cheapest place to live in RI.

#8 West Warwick

  • Median house rent is $1,850 | Rental prices range between $1,300 and $2,995.
  • Median home value of West Warwick is $367,935.
  • Cost of living in West Warwick is 5.8% cheaper than the state average.

The city is home to West Warwick High School and close to the Community College of Rhode Island. It is known for its recreational spots, including Riverpoint Park and Arctic Playground. The city has a moderate crime rate and hosts events like the West Warwick Autumnfest. West Warwick is great for families and those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle.

» West Warwick Homes for Sale: Find cheap homes for sale in RI.

#9 Cumberland

  • Median house rent is $2,200 | Rental prices range between $1,650 and $3,600.
  • Median home value of Cumberland is $486,016.
  • Cost of living in Cumberland is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Cumberland is a charming suburban town located in the Blackstone Valley. Healthcare costs are 12.7% lower than the US average, making it an attractive option for families and seniors. Cumberland also has a strong sense of community, with events like the annual Applefest drawing locals and visitors alike. ey employers include CVS Health and local school districts.

» Cumberland Homes for Sale: Discover cheap houses in Rhode Island to live.

#10 Lincoln

  • Median house rent is $1,950 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $3,600.
  • Median home value of Lincoln is $521,369.
  • Cost of living in Lincoln is 3.3% cheaper than the state average.

Lincoln also boasts a strong sense of community, with events like the annual Lincoln Arts Festival and the Autumnfest celebration. The town is conveniently located near Providence, providing easy access to urban amenities. The town is known for its excellent schools, including Lincoln High School, and its abundance of recreational spaces, such as Lincoln Woods State Park and the Blackstone River Greenway.

» Lincoln Homes for Sale: Explore cheap places to live in Rhode Island.

So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Rhode Island?

You will find cheap houses for sale in Rhode Island under 250K​ in cities like Cranston, Warwick, and Providence. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Rhode Island cities.

Cities like Lincoln and Cumberland are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Rhode Island.

📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Rhode Island

Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in RI.

Homes For Sale in Rhode Island under $100KHomes For Sale in Rhode Island under $150KHomes For Sale in Rhode Island under $200K
Homes For Sale in Rhode Island under $250KHomes For Sale in Rhode Island under $300KHomes For Sale in Rhode Island under $350K

» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.

Find an Affordable House With Houzeo

With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and tiny homes for sale in Rhode Island on Houzeo.

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Research Methodology

To rank the top cities in Rhode Island, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.

  • Population: World Population Review  [1]
  • Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
  • Median Rent: Zillow [3]
  • Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest place to live in Rhode Island?

The cheapest place to live in Rhode Island is Central Falls. It offers affordable healthcare, which is 12.7% lower than the national average.

» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Rhode Island: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Rhode Island.

Is Rhode Island the cheapest place to live in?

No, it is not. The median home value is $466,912. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.

Where is the best place to live in Rhode Island?

The best place to live in Rhode Island is Cranston, followed by Providence, Warwick, Newport, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Bristol.

Which Rhode Island city has the lowest cost of living?

Warwick has the lowest cost of living, which is 5.8% lower than the state average, respectively.