Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, has no shortage of reasons to consider moving there. Rhode Island has plenty of love as it has historic cities, including charming small coastal towns, Providence, the state’s maritime heritage, historic mansions and beautiful islands. If Rhode Island sounds like a state to you, you may also be interested in what cities fit into your budget. When it comes to buying a home in Rhode Island, the median home selling price is $487,400
Don’t worry if that price is outside your budget. There are options to help you find a home. Redfin has rounded up its list of 11 most affordable locations in Rhode Island. They all have a median home selling price under the state average. Read from West Warwick to Woonsocket to see which city you want to move to.
#1: Johnston
Median home price: $390,000
Average selling price per square foot: $258
Median household income: $75,579
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (5 miles)
Johnston, RI Homes For Sale
RI Apartments Rental Johnston
If you’ve been living in Rhode Island for a while, you probably know Johnston, the first city to make our list. Approximately 29,600 people live in Johnston, five miles west of Providence. Once you’ve travelled to Johnston, explore the vast Snake Den State Park trails, discover the evil Tulips Farm, and check out the shops and restaurants along Atwood Avenue.
#2: North Providence
Median home price: $395,000
Average selling price per square foot: $226
Median household income: $63,158
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (5 miles)
RI Homes For Sale, North Providence
RI Apartments Rental North Providence
Taking the second spot on the list of the most affordable places to live in Rhode Island is North Providence. We see that home prices are about $90,000 less than the state average. North Providence has around 34,100 residents, making it the perfect city to consider living this year. Whether you’re visiting Governor John Notte Memorial Park along Wenscott Reservoir, dine at one of the local stellar restaurants or grab a golf course on one of the courses, there are plenty of activities in the city.
#3: Coventry (tie)
Median home price: $400,000
Average selling price per square foot: $274
Median household income: $44,310
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (15 miles)
Coventry, RI home sales
RI Apartments Rental Coventry
Coventry is ranked third. There are a few top attractions you might want to check out at Coventry. Explore nature reserves like the Audubon George Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, the Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, or the Tillinghast Pond Management area.
#3: Woon socket (tie)
Median home price: $400,000
Average selling price per square foot: $215
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,090
Median household income: $44,310
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (15 miles)
Woon Socket, RI Homes for Sale
WOONSOCKET, RI Apartments Rental
The third woonsocket link on the list of affordable cities living in Rhode Island at the same price as Coventry. When you live in this city of 43,200 people, you can visit one of the museums, like the Polar Express Station, see shows at the Stadium Theater, or check out one of the parks, like Caspark.
#5: West Warwick
Median home price: $407,500
Average selling price per square foot: $257
Median household income: $62,649
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (10 miles)
RI Homes For Sale, West Warwick
RI Apartments Rental West Warwick
The fifth spot is West Warwick, with a median home selling price of $380,000. Located about 10 miles south of Providence, this medium-sized city is home to around 31,000 residents. If you are considering moving to this area, check out the Matt Sompond Recreation Area, explore the Arctic neighborhood, and discover golf at one of the clubs.
#6: Pawtucket
Median home price: $416,225
Average selling price per square foot: $234
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,900
Median household income: $52,902
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (5 miles)
Pawtucket, RI Homes for Sale
RI Apartments Rental Pawtucket
The sixth is Pawtucket, currently home to around 75,600 residents. The median home sales price is $416,225, which is about $67,000 less than the median home sales in Rhode Island. If you’re moving to this affordable location on Rhode Island, check out one of the parks, such as Slater Memorial Park and the 10 Mile River, stop by Old Slater Mill National Historical Landmarks and visit the downtown area.
#7: East Providence
Median home price: $420,750
Average selling price per square foot: $259
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,987
Median household income: $65,016
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (5 miles)
RI Homes For Sale, East Providence
RI Apartments Rental East Providence
Another great place to consider living in Rhode Island is East Providence, with a population of around 47,100. Popular things to do in East Providence date back to 1895 and offers scenic views from Savin Point Waterfront Park. You can also take a tour of the Pomamrocks Lighthouse and visit downtown East Providence.
#8: Warwick (tie)
Median home price: $425,000
Average selling price per square foot: $287
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,820
Median household income: $73,285
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (10 miles)
Warwick, RI home for sale
RI Apartments Rental Warwick
Warwick ranks 8th on the list of affordable locations in Rhode Island. It has a population of about 82,800 and lives in a medium-sized city, but there is no shortage of things to do in Warwick. Don’t miss out on nature at waterfront spots such as Rocky Point State Park, Button Woods Beach and Konimi Cut Point Park.
#8: Westerly (ties)
Median home price: $425,000
Average selling price per square foot: $304
Median household income: $75,200
Nearest Major Metro: New London, Connecticut (15 miles)
West side, RI home for sale
Apartments for rent in the West
Westerly also has a median home selling price of $425,000. If you are considering living in Westerly and are considering traveling to the nearest major cities, you will find that New London is 15 miles west. Westerly has plenty to do, like exploring the Napatree Point Conservation area and checking out the nearby Watch Hill Lighthouse. You can also spend a relaxing day at East Beach, watch shows at theaters like the United Theatre and Granite Theatres, or visit downtown west.
#10: Cranston
Median home price: $435,000
Average selling price per square foot: $263
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,645
Median household income: $44,310
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (5 miles)
Cranston, RI Homes for Sale
Cranston, RI Apartments for rent
The 10th area on the list of the most affordable places to live in Rhode Island is Cranston. Traveling to this affordable city with 82,900 residents will give you the perks of urban living without having to live in a metropolitan area. Living in Cranston allows you to check out all the local restaurants in the heart of the city and visit parks such as Portek Set of Spark and John L. Curran State Park.
#11: Smithfield
Median home price: $437,000
Average selling price per square foot: $239
Median household income: $87,819
Nearest Major Metro: Providence (10 miles)
Smithfield, RI Homes For Sale
RI Apartments Rental Smithfield
The last place on our list is Smithfield, one of the affordable places to live in Rhode Island. The city has a population of 22,100 and can hike along the Wolf Hill Forest Reserve, visit stump ponds, dine at nearby restaurants, and practice skating skills at the Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink. There are plenty of activities to explore during your free time living in Smithfield.
Methodology: All cities must have more than 20,000 residents per US census and have a median home selling price under the average Rhode Island median home selling price. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.