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City Report · RI

Portsmouth

·3rd most expensive in Rhode Island·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,104/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-8.1%
vs US Median
+$1,142
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Portsmouth · $3,104
More expensive than 92% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
52% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,104/mo, rent takes about 52% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$124,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Portsmouth's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,820
1 BR
$1,840
2 BR
$2,410
3 BR
$3,220
4 BR+
$3,650
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,410/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,104 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$37,248/yr
At $3,104/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -8.1% MoM), not inventory.
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View Portsmouth rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Portsmouth on your salary?

At $3,104/mo, how Portsmouth rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Portsmouth rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Portsmouth. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Portsmouth

About renting in Portsmouth, RI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Portsmouth is $3,104/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,820/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,410/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,840/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,220/mo.

At 52% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Portsmouth ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Portsmouth an affordable city for renters?

Portsmouth is considered expensive for renters. At $3,104/mo, rent takes approximately 52% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Portsmouth significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Portsmouth?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $124,000/year (~$60/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,104/mo in Portsmouth.

Is rent going up or down in Portsmouth?

Rent in Portsmouth has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of August 2026.

How does Portsmouth rent compare to other cities in Rhode Island?

Portsmouth is one of the pricier cities in Rhode Island for rent, ranking #3 out of 24 tracked cities at $3,104/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Portsmouth?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Portsmouth ($3,104/mo): Warren ($2,119/mo), Bristol ($2,401/mo).

How does Portsmouth rent compare to the national average?

Portsmouth's median rent of $3,104/mo is $1,142 (58%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Rhode Island, it ranks #3 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
52%
EXPENSIVE

At $3,104/mo, rent takes ~52% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Portsmouth 52%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.75–5.99%
Run the Portsmouth affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Portsmouth, RI

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