Cost of Living in Charlestown
Charlestown's cost of living reflects Rhode Island's own real, statewide elevated housing and tax picture, with a distinctive low-rate/high-value property tax dynamic.
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Learn moreHousing runs well above the national median
Charlestown's median home value ran approximately $600,000 (2024) -- well above the ~$408,776 national median, though somewhat below the broader $702,000 Washington County-wide median (base record).
A genuinely low nominal property tax rate, high values
Charlestown's estimated FY2026 rate of $5.07/$1,000 is genuinely low in per-mill terms, reflecting the town's high property values rather than a low overall tax burden in dollar terms (base record).
Rhode Island's real, statewide 7% sales tax and graduated income tax apply
A flat 7% sales tax with no local add-ons, and a graduated income tax topping out at 5.99% (2026), both apply in Charlestown as statewide (base record).
A real, favorable homeowners-insurance picture, with a flood-coverage caveat
Rhode Island's statewide homeowners-insurance average ($1,932-$2,196/year) runs below the national average, though standard coverage excludes flood damage -- a real, disclosed consideration given Charlestown's coastal position (base record).
Key takeaways
- Charlestown's median home value (~$600,000) runs well above the national median.
- Charlestown's low nominal property tax rate reflects high property values, not a low tax burden.
- Rhode Island's statewide 7% sales tax and 5.99% top income tax rate both apply in Charlestown.
- Standard homeowners coverage excludes flood damage -- a real, disclosed factor given Charlestown's coastal position.
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