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Newport, Rhode Island

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

49
Overall Score

Newport, Rhode Island, is a historic coastal city renowned for its Gilded Age mansions, vibrant maritime culture, and picturesque waterfront. Settled in 1639, it boasts a rich history as a colonial seaport and a prominent summer resort for the wealthy. Today, Newport attracts residents and visitors alike with its unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and a lively arts and culinary scene. People are drawn to Newport for its strong sense of community, access to sailing and other water activities, and its distinctive architectural heritage. The city offers a high quality of life with a relaxed, yet sophisticated, atmosphere.

About Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, offers a coastal New England lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, education, professional and technical services, finance and insurance, and tourism and hospitality. Living in Rhode Island is generally more expensive than the national average, particularly due to higher housing and utility costs, though groceries and healthcare are more in line with national averages. The state experiences a New England climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, and its small size means beaches and urban amenities are usually a short drive away.

24,874
Population
$57K
Avg Salary
130
Cost Index
48.8
Quality Score
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 79 / 100 79.0 30% 23.7
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 130.0 6.3 25% 1.6
Economy & jobs Median household income: $86,313 Income needed to live here: $80,000 Unemployment rate: 3.1% 60.6 20% 12.1
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.48% 29.6 15% 4.4
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 48.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=97 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 20 September 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
82
Affordability
55
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Newport is generally higher than the national average, primarily driven by its competitive housing market. While specific cost index data for Newport in 2024 is not readily available, the median property value in 2024 was $746,900, significantly higher than the national average. This elevated housing cost contributes to a higher overall cost of living. Utilities, such as electricity, also tend to be higher in Newport County compared to the national average. However, other expenses like groceries and transportation may be more in line with national averages, though specific city-level data for 2024 is limited.

Average Rent
$2,500/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$342/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Newport's economy is diverse, with key sectors including accommodation and food services, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The city has seen consistent employment and wage growth, reflecting positive opportunities for its educated workforce. The 'Ocean economy' also plays a significant role, contributing 6,681 jobs in 2024 and experiencing a 27% growth from 2014 to 2024. Major employers include the U.S. Navy, which has a substantial presence with approximately 9,000 military and civilian personnel, and various hospitality groups. The region has also seen a 7% growth in small businesses from 2013 to 2023.

The average salary in Newport is $56,585 per year. You would need approximately $80,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.70% Accommodation & Food Services +0.48% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +64.00% Educational Services +6.80% Ocean Economy +27.00%

Climate

🌡️
52°F
Avg Temp
☀️
73°F
Summer High
❄️
27°F
Winter Low
🌧️
41.40"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
261
Sunny Days

Transport

Most residents in Newport primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation, with 63.6% commuting by car. The average commute time for Newport residents is 18.9 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. While car dependency is prevalent, a notable 12.4% of residents prefer to walk. Public transit options are available, though a smaller percentage of the population utilizes them. Newport County's average commute time of 18.1 minutes is also shorter than the Rhode Island average.

19 min
Avg Commute
40.00/10
Transit Score
65.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Newport's total crime rate is 21% lower than the national average as of 2024.
The average commute time in Newport is 18.9 minutes, shorter than the national average.
The 'Ocean economy' in the Greater Newport region experienced a 27% growth from 2014 to 2024.
Newport's residents have a higher percentage of Bachelor's degrees or higher compared to the state and national averages.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and numerous outdoor activities, particularly water sports and historical attractions.
Drawbacks
The median property value in Newport was $746,900 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.
Newport County experienced a population decrease of 0.37% between 2024 and 2025, primarily due to domestic migration.
The homeownership rate in Newport is 49.8%, which is lower than the national average.
Newport has a higher average monthly utility cost compared to other cities in Rhode Island.
Larceny/theft was noted as a concern in Newport's property crime rate in late 2023.

Questions about Newport

What people ask about living in and moving to Newport, Rhode Island.

What should I know about utilities when moving to Newport? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Newport, you’ll need to arrange for electricity, water, and broadband services through the city’s utility providers. The municipal website offers a moving checklist that includes contact numbers for the electric utility, the water department, and the major internet service providers that operate in the area. Most utilities require a few weeks’ notice before service activation, and some offer online e...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Newport? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Newport is $2,500 per month. One‑bedroom units in central areas tend to be close to that average, while apartments farther from the waterfront or downtown may be slightly lower. Rental listings on regional housing websites and the city’s housing authority portal can give you current market rates and availability. Keep in mind that utilities are often not included, so factor those costs into yo...

What’s the weather like year‑round in Newport? General 1 answer

Newport experiences a coastal New England climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Average high temperatures in July are in the upper 70s °F, while January lows often dip into the low 20s °F. The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall typically occurring from December through March. For detailed monthly averages and forecasts, consult the National Weather...

What public transportation options exist in Newport? Getting Around 1 answer

Newport is served by a municipal transit authority that operates bus routes connecting residential areas with downtown, the waterfront, and surrounding towns. Schedules and route maps are posted on the city’s transportation website, and many routes run at regular intervals during peak hours. In addition, the city encourages biking and walking, with designated bike lanes and pedestrian‑friendly streets. For longer tri...

How does the cost of living in Newport compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Newport’s cost‑of‑living index is 130, meaning it is about 30 % higher than the national average of 100. This higher index reflects pricier housing, groceries, and services. While the average salary in the city is $56,585 per year, you’ll likely need to allocate a larger portion of your income to rent and everyday expenses than you would in a lower‑cost area. To gauge how your personal budget will be affected, compar...

How are the public schools rated in Newport? Schools & Education 1 answer

Newport’s public schools are administered by the local school district, which publishes performance data on its website, including test scores and graduation rates. Generally, the district’s schools perform around the state average, with some schools receiving higher marks for academic programs and extracurricular activities. To evaluate specific schools, review the district’s report cards, visit school open houses,...

Is Newport a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Newport has a safety score of 79 out of 100, indicating it is relatively safe compared to many U.S. cities. The city’s police department provides regular crime statistics on its website, and community safety reports are also available through the municipal government portal. Neighborhoods closer to the historic core tend to have higher foot traffic and active community watch programs, which can enhance perceived safe...

Where can I find primary care doctors in Newport? Healthcare 1 answer

Primary care services in Newport are provided by several clinics and medical groups that accept most major insurance plans. The city’s health department website lists local providers, including family medicine and pediatric practices, along with contact information and patient reviews. You can also use the state health board’s provider lookup tool to verify credentials and find doctors accepting new patients. For urg...

What industries are most common for jobs in Newport? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Newport’s economy is heavily influenced by tourism, maritime services, and historic preservation, providing many opportunities in hospitality, food service, and cultural institutions. Additionally, the city supports a modest professional sector with positions in education, healthcare, and small‑business services. For a comprehensive view of current openings, check the city’s employment portal, regional job boards, an...

What are the top free activities for families in Newport? Things to Do 1 answer

Newport offers a range of free family‑friendly activities, such as strolling along public waterfront parks, exploring historic promenades, and attending seasonal community events hosted by the city’s parks department. The local library system often runs free workshops and storytimes, while the municipal recreation department organizes outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months. Information on event calen...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Newport? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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