Cost of Living in Newport County, Rhode Island
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Newport County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Newport County ranks #1,384 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Newport County, Rhode Island
Newport's housing squeeze runs deep
At 19.7%, Newport County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national threshold where housing becomes a financial burden, meaning renters here devote nearly a fifth of gross income to rent alone. The county's median household income of $100,859 is above average, but Newport's rents are the state's highest at $1,652 monthly.
Least affordable county in Rhode Island
Newport County ranks last among Rhode Island counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% compared to the state average of 17.0%. Renters here face a 2.7-point affordability gap—the steepest burden in the state.
Premium costs set Newport apart
Newport's median rent of $1,652 exceeds Kent County's by $388 monthly, while its median home value of $559,700 towers over Washington County's $469,800. The upscale coastal housing market creates affordability pressures despite strong local incomes.
Where Newport income goes
Renters spend $1,652 monthly while homeowners pay $1,899, together consuming roughly 28% of household income—the state's highest burden. The median home value of $559,700 reflects Newport's reputation as New England's priciest county housing market.
Newport's premium comes with a price
If you're relocating to Newport County, expect to allocate nearly a fifth of gross income to rent, the steepest ratio statewide. Budget accordingly, or consider neighboring Kent or Washington counties for equivalent quality of life at lower housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Newport County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Newport County is affordable. The median rent is $1,652/month against a median household income of $100,859, putting rent at 19.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,652/month rent versus $1,899/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $247/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $66,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $81,386/year. With a median household income of $100,859, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Newport County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Rhode Island, Newport County is more affordable than Bristol County by roughly 23% ($1,652/mo vs $1,348/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Newport County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,353
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.6%
of gross income
The median home in Newport County may be a stretch
Median home value is $559,700. Estimated monthly cost: $4,468 vs. your max of $2,353.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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