How Much House Can I Afford in Rhode Island on $85K?
Based on Rhode Island's 1.53% property tax rate and $2,200/yr homeowners insurance.
Can You Afford the Median Home in Rhode Island?
The median home in Rhode Island ($425K) exceeds your $258K budget by $167K. But many areas in Rhode Island have homes well below the median. Check the affordable cities below for areas within your budget.
Most Affordable Cities in Rhode Island
No tracked cities in Rhode Island have a median below your $258K budget. Here are the most affordable options.
10K DPA forgivable. First-time buyers in Rhode Island should explore this program to reduce upfront costs. Combined with your $258K budget, state assistance can significantly lower the cash you need to close.
Buying a Home in Rhode Island on $85K
In Rhode Island, higher-than-average costs reduce your purchasing power. With a 1.53% property tax rate above $2,200/yr insurance, your maximum affordable price is $258K — that is $19K less than the $278K you would get using national averages. Rhode Island's high property taxes are the main factor eating into your budget.
Property taxes are the biggest wildcard in Rhode Island. At 1.53%, a $258K home costs $3,955/yr in property taxes alone — that is $330/mo baked into your payment before you make a single mortgage payment. When shopping in Rhode Island, pay close attention to the assessed value and actual tax bill, not just the listing price. Some municipalities within Rhode Island have rates significantly higher or lower than the state average. A home in a lower-tax district could save you hundreds per month.
Budget $7K for closing costs in Rhode Island (roughly 1.7% of the purchase price). Combined with your $25,849 down payment, you will need approximately $33K in cash to close. RIHousing First Homes may help offset these costs — especially since their assistance does not need to be repaid in full. Get pre-approved with a Rhode Island-based lender who understands local programs and can close efficiently.