Cost of living in Westerly

Learn what it truly costs to live, work, and thrive in one of Rhode Island’s most desirable coastal towns.

Considering a move to Westerly? Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or retirement, understanding the cost of living in Westerly, RI helps you plan with confidence. From housing and utilities to local amenities and property taxes, Smooth Sailing Real Estate breaks down everything you need to know — with real insights from Rhode Island locals.

Housing Costs in Westerly

Housing is the biggest factor in Westerly’s overall cost of living.

Median Home Price:

Single-family homes typically range from $450,000 to $900,000, depending on proximity to the beach, neighborhood, and home condition.
In luxury areas like Watch Hill and Avondale, properties often exceed $1 million, attracting buyers seeking Narragansett waterfront real estate.

Rental Prices:

1-bedroom apartment: around $1,500–$1,800/month
3-bedroom home: around $2,500–$3,200/month

Property Taxes:
Rhode Island property tax rates vary by town, and Westerly’s average is approximately $14–$15 per $1,000 of assessed value — competitive compared to nearby coastal areas.

If you’re planning to sell your house in Rhode Island or buy a new one, our team can help you calculate realistic costs and potential returns.

How Westerly Compares to Other Rhode Island Towns

While Westerly ranks slightly higher in housing costs, it consistently outperforms in lifestyle satisfaction and long-term real estate appreciation.

Utilities and Everyday Expenses

Westerly’s utility costs are close to the state average.

Electricity: $150–$200/month for an average-sized home
Water & Sewer: $70–$100/month
Internet: Around $60–$90/month depending on provider
Groceries & Dining: 5–10% higher than the national average due to coastal location

The town’s walkability, farmers’ markets, and local dining options offer great value for residents who love a fresh and community-driven lifestyle.

Transportation & Commuting

Westerly offers a mix of suburban convenience and small-town accessibility.

Average commute time: 20–25 minutes
Public transportation: Westerly Train Station (Amtrak) connects residents to Providence, Boston, and NYC
Fuel costs: Consistent with Rhode Island averages

With many residents working remotely or locally, transportation costs remain moderate, adding to Westerly’s appeal for first-time homebuyers and growing families.

Ready to Experience Life in Westerly?

Contact Smooth Sailing Real Estate today to explore available homes and discover what your dream life in Rhode Island could look like.

What Our Clients Say

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Frank and can say with confidence that few Realtors bring the same level of energy, loyalty, and work ethic to their clients. He’s one of the hardest-working agents I know—an absolute force in negotiations and relentless when it comes to getting results. What stands out most is how deeply he cares about the people he serves. If you’re looking for someone who will fight for your best interests and handle every detail with integrity, Frank is the person you want in your corner.

Frank and his team are wonderful; they're professional, knowledgeable, and they care. I would recommend Frank as a Realtor to anyone!

I have been involved with 2 deals with Frank over the past 2 years and he is always right there when i have questions or need to see a property. He does not mislead and gives me straight forward answers which is refreshing. He is extremely persistant when it comes an offer for a buyer or selling a property. I recommend his service because he's always given me %110, no matter how big or small the deal.

Frank helped us in buying a house and gave us a very pleasant experience. I certainly recommend him as he met all of our needs and then some. There was great communication throughout the process. Frank is very knowledgeable he was able to answer all of our endless questions with an explanation, very polite and personable.

This past year I had to sell some property in Rhode Island. I could think of only one person to do that, long time friend and Boy Scout colleague Frank Denette. This was a good choice! He worked tirelessly to prepare, market and sell my property. He was always upfront with realistic expectations and provided much research to back his advice. Frank worked hard to keep me up to date during this process. This was very important, since I live out of state. He continuously went above and beyond to ensure my property quickly found the right buyer.

My first experience with Nathan Clark resulted in an above-asking offer. My second experience resulted in an asking price offer. I didn't want to sell below the asking price so my agent, Frank Denette, was very tolerant of my request to hold firm for my price and he delivered -- directly to my bank account. Frank's negotiation skills and marketing tactics were key to selling my property because simply placing a quality home on the market is not enough to make a sale. I fully recommend Nathan Clark!

Esther has been an awesome and integral part of my team. She understands the homebuying process well and is just what I needed to help me through. She stays on top of everything and does her best to make the buyer feel at ease when making such an important decision. She also can provide great referrals if needed, but doesn't pressure you to use them. She became like family to me and I know our relationship will not end after the closing. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to purchase a home. She will definitely go to bat for you!

Esther Denette, es exelente persona y me ayudo mucho a conseguir mi casa, quede muy encantada y satisfecha por su bien trabajo la recomendaria a otras personas para quelos ayude como me ayudo a mi. muchas gracias por todo

When I first met Frank it was because I had to sell my house and it was something I was not particularly happy about. Frank was amazing from day one, he was very considerate of my situation and always had a positive outlook. He found a very nice family to purchase my house and I know they will love it as much as I did. Frank became more like a family friend than my real estate agent. I would highly recommend Frank and will use him services when I am ready to make that move to purchase another house.

Esther was a pleasure to work with selling our home. She took care of all our personal requests through the sale process, as far as listing and showing requirements. She obtained multiple offers on the home within a month and we closed within two months of listing with Esther. The house was sold for more than we expected and there were other homes for sale in the area that buyers were also interested in. We work in management and financial industries and were impressed with Esther through the entire process.