B-
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
15%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
2%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Woonsocket Rhode Island National
Cost of living107112100
Goods & Services115115100
Groceries102102100
Health care108108100
Housing102120100
Transportation9393100
Utilities112112100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Woonsocket, RI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Woonsocket is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Woonsocket is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Woonsocket aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Woonsocket residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Recurring essentials like haircuts, toothpaste, and entertainment, from movies to gym sessions, can really add up in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. In Woonsocket, you you will have to spend 15.3% more than average when compared to the typical prices for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 10 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Woonsocket. The results indicated that 10% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 90% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Woonsocket Affordable?

Wondering if Woonsocket is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Woonsocket, for example, the median home price is 3.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Woonsocket boasting a median household income of $44,310, which is 19.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Woonsocket?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Woonsocket, the transportation index is 7.5% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Woonsocket, healthcare costs are 7.7% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Woonsocket cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Woonsocket is 5% lower than the Rhode Island average
  • The cost of living in Woonsocket is 7% higher than the national average
  • Woonsocket housing is 2% 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 Woonsocket

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Compare Woonsocket, RI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$75,449$6,287$1,760$2,264
      Renters$32,176$2,681$751$965
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Woonsocket, RI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Woonsocket, the median monthly income is $75,449 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,760 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $32,176, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $751 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      Haircut $31.50$24.2629.8%
      Beauty Salon $49.92$45.569.6%
      Toothpaste $3.46$3.706.5%
      Shampoo $1.43$1.2811.4%
      Movie $14.37$12.1318.4%
      Bowling $22.72$18.0026.2%

      Groceries

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.85$5.840.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.578.9%
      Milk $4.74$4.671.4%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $11.59$12.094.1%
      Beer $10.74$10.413.1%

      Health Care

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $104.45$125.6816.9%
      Doctor $169.83$135.7825.1%
      Dentist $130.28$113.2915.0%
      Ibuprofen $11.11$10.654.3%
      Lipitor $369.37$468.6021.2%

      Housing

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      Home Price $191,500.00$184,700.003.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,379.56$2,346.691.4%
      Apartment Rent $921.00$949.003.0%

      Transportation

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.38$3.462.5%
      Tire Balancing $48.20$59.9219.6%

      Utilities

      Item Woonsocket National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $230.62$193.9918.9%
      Phone $195.18$192.251.5%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Central Falls, RI19,4371044.5%
      Foster Center, RI2911099.1%
      Pawtucket, RI71,8211099.2%
      Pascoag, RI4,91111111.2%
      Providence, RI179,47211111.3%
      Woonsocket, RI41,6161076.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rancho Palos Verdes, CA41,635245145.3%
      Catonsville, MD41,59212222.4%
      Mableton, GA41,6471043.7%
      La Quinta, CA41,65013939.2%
      Leominster, MA41,58112120.8%
      Woonsocket, RI41,6161076.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.