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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Rhode Island (2026)

A typical home in Rhode Island is worth $404,200; the typical rent is $1,342 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home is $787,750 in every one of its counties. 5 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Rhode Island; 5 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $373,600
  • $373,600–$510,800
  • $510,800–$513,800
  • $513,800–$609,700
  • $609,700 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$404,200
21% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,342
5% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$87,796
9% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$787,750
It is the same across Rhode Island.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
1.21%
of value a year
The typical bill is $4,900 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Rhode Island

A typical home in Rhode Island is worth $404,200, 21% more than in the country overall. Across its 5 counties, the typical value runs from $366,100 in Kent County to $609,700 in Newport County. A typical household earns $87,796 a year and pays $1,342 a month in rent; 48% of renters put 30% or more of their income toward housing. 64% of households live in a home they own; they pay a typical property tax of $4,900 a year, about 1.21% of value.

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Rhode Island. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island ($1,911) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $36.75 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Rhode Island

More on property tax

  • Homestead exemption from your city or town

    In Rhode Island, a city or town that the law authorizes to enact a homestead exemption may, by ordinance (a local law), give it to any owner-occupied home in that city or town.

    Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island General Laws, Title 44) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadlines to appeal your property assessment

    If you disagree with the assessment of your taxes in your city or town, you can file an appeal in the local office of tax assessment on or before November 15 of each year, but not less than 90 days after the first tax payment is due. The assessor has until December 31 of that year to review appeals, decide and notify you. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the local tax board of review no more than 30 days after the assessor decides and notifies you. If the assessor does not decide by December 31, the deadline to appeal to the board is January 31 of the next year.

    Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island General Laws, Title 44) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State property tax relief for people 65 and older or with a disability

    Under the state Property Tax Relief law, the person who claims the relief is a homeowner or renter who is 65 or older, or disabled, who has filed a claim and was domiciled in Rhode Island for the entire calendar year the claim covers. For this law, a disabled person is someone receiving a Social Security disability benefit.

    Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island General Laws, Title 44, Chapter 33) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State real estate conveyance tax

    When a property is sold for more than $100, the deed is taxed at $3.75 for each $500 (or fraction of $500) of the price. Unless there is an agreement otherwise, the seller pays it. On residential property sold for more than $800,000, an additional $3.75 is charged for each $500 (or fraction) of the part of the price above $800,000, paid at the same time and in the same manner as the base tax. Starting in 2026, the $800,000 threshold is adjusted each year by the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), so it changes every year.

    Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island General Laws, Title 44) · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Rhode Island

What homes there are in Rhode Island, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Rhode Island, 6 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses; in the U.S., 6.

Year built

The typical home in Rhode Island was built in 1962, 18 years before the typical one in the U.S..

In Rhode Island, 16% of homes have 1 bedroom or none (studios); 54% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 61% in the U.S..

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The most common value range in Rhode Island is between $300K and $500K: that is where 46% of owner-occupied homes sit.

Monthly rent with utilities

Looking at what people pay in rent in Rhode Island, the most common range is between $1,000 and $1,499 a month (31%).

With a mortgage

$2,234 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$898 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

67%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Rhode Island is $2,234 a month, more than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $898.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

Much as in the U.S., the typical home value in Rhode Island rose 54% since 2015–2019.

Much as in the U.S., the typical rent in Rhode Island rose 34% since 2015–2019.

Housing prices ran ahead of income in Rhode Island: typical income rose 31%, against +54% for home values and +34% for rent.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureRhode IslandUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.6%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.2%3.4%
People per household 2.392.53
Drive alone 72%69%
Carpool 8%9%
Public transit 2%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 13%15%
Other means 2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

The rental vacancy rate in Rhode Island is 4.2%, lower than in the U.S. (5.5%).

In Rhode Island, 2.2% of households live with more than one person per room, against 3.4% in the U.S..

Fewer people live in each home here: 2.39 on average, against 2.53 in the U.S..

In Rhode Island, 72% of workers drive alone to work; in the U.S., 69%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Rhode Island

Sort by any column. Each name leads to its page.

See the counties page
Population, typical home value, FHA limit, 2-bedroom fair rent and typical income by county in Rhode Island
Providence County664,854$373,600$787,750$1,879$78,787
Kent County171,456$366,100$787,750$1,879$94,345
Washington County130,344$510,800$787,750$1,832–$1,879$106,638
Newport County84,657$609,700$787,750$1,879–$2,507$103,514
Bristol County50,490$513,800$787,750$1,879$114,490

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Rhode Island

Start from the typical home value in Rhode Island, $404,200, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Rhode Island

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$3,443

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Rhode Island rose 112% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Rhode Island United States
In 2025 +5.4% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +65% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +112% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Rhode Island were 2% higher than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 5% higher than nationwide.

Category Rhode Island United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 102.3 100.0 2% more
Housing rents What renters pay 105.6 100.6 5% more
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 146.7 98.4 49% more
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 97.2 99.6 2% less
Other services Services other than rent 102.8 100.1 3% more

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Rhode Island 3.7% of homes (11,194) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 49% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Rhode Island United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 3.7% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 49% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 2.7% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Rhode Island

The 5 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (11)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Rhode Island

    Our list has 3 official programs that help you buy in Rhode Island. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 3 programs
    1. 15kDPA

      Rhode Island state agency loan of $15,000 at 0% with no monthly payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers with a RIHousing mortgage; repaid when you sell or leave the home. Offered by RIHousing.

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. Extra Assistance

      RIHousing second mortgage for first-time buyers, of up to 6% of the price or $20,000 (whichever is less) for the down payment, which you repay over 15 years at the same rate as your RIHousing mortgage. Offered by RIHousing.

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    3. FirstGenHomeRI

      Only in: Central Falls, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Providence, Newport, Providence County, Newport County

      Limited funds remain, per the source

      RIHousing pilot help of $25,000 for the down payment or closing costs of first-generation buyers who now live in certain cities; no interest or payments, and not repaid if you live in the home five years. Offered by RIHousing.

      Forgivable Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Rhode Island

    Rhode Island law answers 3 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      In Rhode Island, a landlord cannot ask for or accept a security deposit of more than one month's rent, no matter what it is called.

      R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-19(a)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      When the tenancy ends, the landlord must give you a written list of deductions together with the deposit money owed to you. The landlord may only deduct unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning and trash removal, and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. The landlord has 20 days, counted from whichever happens last: the end of the tenancy, the return of the home, or the day you give a forwarding address to receive the deposit.

      R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-19(b)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      When rent is 15 days behind, the landlord must send you a written notice that states how much you owe and demands it. The notice says that if you do not pay it all within 5 days of the date it was mailed, the rental agreement ends and the landlord will file an eviction case in court.

      R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35(a)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      Data not available

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire at a forest campsite.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Rhode Island?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    5 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Rhode Island; 5 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    28 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Rhode Island.

    See all 5 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Rhode Island

    • RIHousing (Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation)

      RIHousing offers affordable mortgage and assistance programs to buy or renovate a home, courses and counseling to help you prepare, and a statewide network of approved lenders. For first-time homebuyers, the 15kDPA program gives $15,000 for the down payment and/or closing costs as a zero-percent interest loan. The Extra Assistance program gives up to $20,000 for the down payment and/or closing costs. First-time homebuyers must take a Homebuyer Education class before closing on a RIHousing loan. Its First-time Homebuyer Loan offers 100% financing (no down payment required).

      The agency's official page · Verified October 24, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Rhode Island

    • Rhode Island FAIR Plan: which home coverages it includes

      Rhode Island has a FAIR Plan. Under the law, the program's "basic property insurance" covers fire, extended coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief, the dwelling policies known as DP-2 and DP-3, and sprinkler leakage. It also includes homeowners package coverages, with dwelling and tenant forms, and general liability for one- to four-family homes, whether or not the owners live there. Rates for this insurance are approved by the Department of Business Regulation.

      Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island General Laws, Title 27) · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Rhode Island

    We picked them with the numbers of Rhode Island. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Rhode Island

    What is the FHA limit in Rhode Island in 2026?

    In Rhode Island, the FHA limit for a one-unit home is $787,750 in every one of its counties.

    How much does a typical home cost in Rhode Island?

    The typical home value in Rhode Island is $404,200 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Newport County ($609,700) and the lowest in Kent County ($366,100).

    How much does it cost to rent in Rhode Island?

    The typical rent in Rhode Island is $1,342 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Rhode Island ($1,911, Fiscal year 2027), about $36.75 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Rhode Island?

    The typical property tax in Rhode Island is $4,900 a year, about 1.21% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Rhode Island?

    There are 5 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Rhode Island; 5 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).