Cost of Living in Pawtucket, RI

With a cost of living index of 94, Pawtucket, RI is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 6% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the Rhode Island state average of 111. With a population of 75,280, Pawtucket is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pawtucket's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,152 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $286,200 (6% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Pawtucket is $67,436, which is 10% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Pawtucket. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.1°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.5 inches spread over roughly 127 days.

Everyday prices in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.