Cost of Living in Newport, RI

An Overview of Cost of Living in Newport, RI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Newport 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 Newport is 145, which is 45% 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.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Newport is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Newport falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Newport cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 129.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

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 Newport, 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.

Is Newport Affordable?

Wondering if Newport 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 Newport, for example, the median home price is 168% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 39.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Newport boasting a median household income of $68,201, which is 23.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Newport?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Newport, healthcare costs are 7.7% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Newport, the transportation index is 7.5% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Newport, the groceries index registers 1.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Newport, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.