Best places to live in Rhode Island
We cover 4 places in Rhode Island, home to 441,000 residents. The largest is Providence (195,000), the fastest growing since 2020 is Providence (+2.3%), and the lowest metro price level is in Providence (101.8). The top state income tax rate is 5.99%. The average combined sales tax is 7%.
Best places to live in Rhode Island, ranked
Each city gets a score out of 100 from six official measures, weighted as shown: home prices compared with income (25%), household income (15%), population growth since 2020 (15%), short commutes (15%), comfortable months of weather (15%) and low poverty (15%). Scores compare all 546 large US cities, so a 70 in Rhode Island means the same as a 70 anywhere. See the national ranking and method.
| # | City | Score | Home value to income | Income | Growth | Commute | Comfortable months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick | 64 | 4.0× | $88,708 | +1.6% | 25 min | 6 |
| 2 | Cranston | 61 | 4.2× | $90,206 | +2.1% | 24 min | 6 |
| 3 | Pawtucket | 49 | 4.8× | $68,310 | +1.9% | 26 min | 6 |
| 4 | Providence | 43 | 5.3× | $68,119 | +2.3% | 25 min | 6 |
Best for retirees, young professionals or families? Every city page shows all four scores, and the city quiz ranks cities by what matters to you.
Largest cities in Rhode Island
| City | Population 2025 | Growth | Home value | Rent | Income | Price level | Jan high | Jul high |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 195,310 | +2.3% | $362,200 | $1,408 | $68,119 | 101.8 | 38° | 84° |
| Cranston | 84,647 | +2.1% | $378,300 | $1,375 | $90,206 | 101.8 | 38° | 84° |
| Warwick | 84,187 | +1.6% | $354,600 | $1,363 | $88,708 | 101.8 | 38° | 84° |
| Pawtucket | 77,065 | +1.9% | $325,500 | $1,208 | $68,310 | 101.8 | 38° | 84° |
Taxes in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.99% in 2026. The state sales tax is 7%, and with the average local rate added it comes to 7%. Source: Tax Foundation, 2026. Local income taxes are not included.
Top parks and sights in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island parks, museums, landmarks and natural wonders people know best. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- The Breakers Museum
- Marble House Museum
- Rosecliff Museum
- Rose Island Light Lighthouse
Places from Wikidata (CC0), ranked by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them.