B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
28%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Warwick Rhode Island National
Cost of living111110100
Groceries104103100
Health care103103100
Housing128124100
Transportation103104100
Utilities106106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104107100
Household Items106105100
Education & Childcare105106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Warwick, RI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Warwick? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Warwick stands at 111, making it 11% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Warwick cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 28.4%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Warwick?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 9 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Warwick and this is how they responded. 56% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 44% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Warwick Affordable?

Is Warwick an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Warwick, the median home price is 32% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 20.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Warwick come in at $111,068, which is 36.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Warwick?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Warwick, healthcare costs are 2.8% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Warwick, the groceries index registers 3.8% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Warwick, the transportation index stands at 2.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Warwick cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Warwick is 1% higher than the Rhode Island average
  • The cost of living in Warwick is 11% higher than the national average
  • Warwick housing is 28% higher than the national average
  • Rhode Island general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Rhode Island state income tax is 44% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Warwick

See all the best places to live around Warwick

Compare Warwick, RI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,254$10,855$3,039$3,908
      Renters$60,120$5,010$1,403$1,804
      The affordability of the housing market in Warwick, RI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Warwick homeowners, the median income is $130,254. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,039 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $60,120. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,403 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Rhode Island Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Rhode Island 7% 7%

      Rhode Island Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Rhode Island 3.75% 5.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clayville, RI831054.9%
      Central Falls, RI20,1751033.0%
      Pawtucket, RI74,3111087.7%
      Providence, RI185,5541099.0%
      East Providence, RI48,8491088.4%
      Warwick, RI82,75011111.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pleasanton, CA82,910231130.8%
      Farmington Hills, MI82,92011110.8%
      Tustin, CA82,93018282.0%
      New Westminster, BC82,940n/a 
      Alameda, CA82,498206106.1%
      Warwick, RI82,75011111.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.