Rhode Islanders Struggle With Rising Cost of Living and Economic Affordability

Rhode Islanders are facing an entrenched affordability crisis as new political leaders prepare to take office in January, with half of surveyed residents reporting they are financially worse off than a year ago. Ocean State Media reported that rising prices across the economy have forced 86% of households to cut back on daily expenses, even as residents express cautious optimism about change.

State leaders are stepping into office against a backdrop of deep economic anxiety. Ocean State Media launched a virtual community panel roughly a year ago to track residents’ daily experiences across Rhode Island and the South Coast. An October survey focused directly on the cost of living, capturing data that mirrors the economic frustrations driving voter sentiment nationwide.

Who feels the pinch

Financial strain touches nearly every corner of daily life for state residents. Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston noted that 50% of survey respondents reported being worse off than a year previous, while practically all participants felt the impact of rising prices.

Rhode Islanders moving in together amid affordability crisis #shorts

To cope with the squeeze, 86% of panelists cut back on regular daily activities. Families are dining out less often, forgoing simple pleasures, and swapping familiar brands for cheaper store options. When cutting corners is not enough, residents told surveyors they are draining savings and retirement accounts just to pay basic bills.

Parallel findings from the seventh annual R.I. Life Index, released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Brown University School of Public Health, confirm that financial pressure remains a long-term burden. The index’s cost-of-living score sat at a dismal 21 out of 100, while affordable housing ranked second-lowest at 30.

Rhode Islanders report challenges with cost of living, access to affordable housing and nutritious food — Photo: europesays.com

Where residents place blame

When asked who holds responsibility for the affordability crisis, 80% of Ocean State Media panelists pointed squarely at the federal government. Residents specifically cited U.S. tariffs, trade policy, conflict with Iran, government corruption, and the outsized economic power wielded by large American corporations.

At the same time, local policy challenges continue to weigh on well-being. Overall health and well-being scores stagnated at 57 in 2025, down six points since 2021. Perceptions of health care access also dropped three points to 65, pushed lower by primary care practice closures that hit Black and Latino communities hardest.

Rhode Islanders move in together amid affordability crisis

What hope remains

Despite widespread economic pain, survey data reveals a persistent streak of local grit. Johnston observed that many panelists balance their struggles with the grounded expectation that they will manage to push through.

“There was a surprising little outcome that speaks to the resilience of folks here in Rhode Island as well as Southeastern Massachusetts,” Johnston said. “Although people are struggling, they kind of were like, ‘But we’re going to be okay.’ I just think that speaks to resilience.”

Dr. Francesca Beaudoin, interim dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, noted that seven years of results prove the situation is a sustained pattern rather than a temporary blip. Researchers hope this steady stream of community data will give lawmakers a concrete target for building healthier communities.

When change arrives

January brings a wholesale shift in local leadership, with swear-ins scheduled for a new governor, a new legislature, and new mayors in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket. Johnston noted that the recent dramatic election cycle has left residents watching closely to see what happens next.

There is a distinct sense of urgency among the public for incoming officials to address these economic pressures. Ocean State Media continues to recruit local participants for its ongoing community panel surveys to keep a direct line of sight on whether new leadership delivers tangible relief.