Cost of Living in Warwick, RI — 2026 Guide
Warwick is Rhode Island's second-largest city and consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in the state. Located 10 miles south of Providence and 70 miles south of Boston, it offers suburban living at prices well below the regional average.
Warwick Housing Costs 2026
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $1,100–$1,400 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $1,300–$1,700 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $1,600–$2,100 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | $2,000–$2,600 |
| Median home purchase price | $385,000–$400,000 |
Compare to nearby cities:
- Providence: 2BR averages $1,800–$2,400 (15% higher)
- Cranston: 2BR averages $1,500–$1,900 (similar to Warwick)
- East Providence: 2BR averages $1,400–$1,900 (slightly lower)
- Boston: 2BR averages $2,900–$3,800 (75% higher)
Warwick's most affordable neighborhoods include Oakland Beach, Norwood, and Apponaug. Conimicut and Greenwich Bay areas command premium prices due to waterfront access.
Utilities in Warwick, RI
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electric (National Grid) | $110–$160 |
| Gas (National Grid) | $80–$180 (higher in winter) |
| Internet (Verizon/Cox) | $50–$80 |
| Water/Sewer (city) | $60–$100 |
| Total average utilities | $300–$520/month |
Rhode Island has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation — factor this into your budget. Electric bills spike in summer (A/C) and winter (electric heat). Natural gas heat is significantly cheaper than electric.
Groceries and Food Costs
Grocery prices in Warwick are similar to the rest of Rhode Island, which runs about 5–8% above the national average.
| Item | Warwick Average |
|---|---|
| Gallon of milk | $3.50–$4.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.00–$5.00 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50–$5.00 |
| Chicken breast (per lb) | $4.00–$6.50 |
| Restaurant meal (casual) | $15–$25 per person |
| Coffee (café latte) | $5.50–$7.00 |
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Major grocery options in Warwick: Stop & Shop (Bald Hill Rd), Shaw's, Market Basket (East Providence — worth the drive for lower prices), Aldi (Bald Hill Rd — best value).
Transportation Costs in Warwick
Warwick is a car-dependent city. Most residents need a vehicle:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Car payment (average) | $400–$600 |
| Car insurance (RI average) | $180–$260 |
| Gas (15,000 miles/yr) | $150–$220 |
| RIPTA bus pass (if commuting) | $65/month unlimited |
Commuting from Warwick:
- To Providence: 20–30 minutes by car (I-95 N)
- To T.F. Green Airport (PVD): 5–10 minutes — Warwick is the airport city
- To Boston: 60–90 minutes by car or 80 minutes by MBTA commuter rail from Providence (park and ride)
Taxes in Warwick
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island income tax | 3.75%–5.99% (graduated) |
| Warwick property tax rate | ~$18.00 per $1,000 assessed value |
| Rhode Island sales tax | 7% |
| Vehicle excise tax | ~$30 per $1,000 value |
On a $385,000 home, expect to pay roughly $6,930/year in property taxes. This is lower than Providence ($22/1,000) but higher than some smaller RI towns.
Sample Monthly Budget: Warwick Family of 3
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2BR apartment) | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $400 |
| Groceries | $700 |
| Transportation (1 car) | $800 |
| Health insurance | $450 |
| Child care or school costs | $600 |
| Dining/entertainment | $300 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 |
| Total | ~$5,300/month |
A household income of $75,000–$85,000/year covers a comfortable lifestyle in Warwick after taxes.
Is Warwick a Good Place to Live?
Warwick is a strong choice for families, commuters, and anyone wanting suburban comfort without Boston or Providence prices. Key advantages:
- Excellent public schools (Pilgrim, Toll Gate, Warwick Veterans high schools)
- Short drive to T.F. Green Airport
- Access to beautiful Narragansett Bay waterfront
- Lower property taxes than Providence
- Safe, established neighborhoods
Drawbacks: Car-dependent, limited walkability, older housing stock in some areas, and Rhode Island's high electricity rates affect everyone.
Q: Is Warwick cheaper than Providence?
Yes — housing in Warwick typically runs 10–20% less than comparable units in Providence. Providence has more walkable neighborhoods but higher rents.
Q: What is the average household income in Warwick, RI?
The median household income in Warwick is approximately $65,000–$70,000 per year, above the Rhode Island state median.
Q: Is Warwick a safe city?
Warwick has a relatively low crime rate compared to other Rhode Island cities. Property crime is the most common issue. Neighborhoods near major commercial corridors (Bald Hill Rd) have slightly higher incidents than residential areas.
Q: What neighborhoods are best to live in Warwick?
Conimicut Village (waterfront, walkable), Apponaug (historic town center), and the Greenwood and Cowesett neighborhoods are popular with families and young professionals.