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City Report · RI

Westerly

Pop. 18,411·18th most expensive in Rhode Island·Rental market data updated monthly for Westerly, RI
Median rent (all units)
$2,000/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.1%
Month-over-Month
+2.8%
vs US Median
+$35
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Westerly · $2,000
More expensive than 59% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Westerly's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,000/mo
Expected by trend
$2,144/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Westerly's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,330
1 BR
$1,340
2 BR
$1,630
3 BR
$2,040
4 BR+
$2,510
Research median
$1,630/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,000/yr
At $2,000/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 2.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.1% YoY, +2.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Westerly, RI is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 43.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,411
Median income
$95,207
Median age
50.4
Renters
28.6%
Age distribution
14.4%
20.1%
21.2%
19.1%
25.2%
Under 1814.4%
18–3420.1%
35–5421.2%
55–6419.1%
65+25.2%
Gender
51.7%
48.3%
Male51.7%
Female48.3%
Race & ethnicity
88.7%
White88.7%
Black0.6%
Hispanic3.3%
Asian3.2%
Other4.2%
Education (25+)
28.8%
22.4%
43.3%
No HS diploma5.4%
HS diploma28.8%
Some college22.4%
Bachelor's+43.3%
Housing tenure
71.4%
28.6%
Owner71.4%
Renter28.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Westerly, RI has changed in 5 years

Income
$79,565 → $95,207
up 19.7%
Population
18,241 → 18,411
up 0.9%
Renter share
31.1% → 28.6%
-2.5 pts
Bachelor's+
31.9% → 43.3%
+11.4 pts

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $79,565 in 2021 to $95,207 more recently. Renters now make up 28.6% of households, compared with 31.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 43.3% of adults here, versus 31.9% in 2021.

Community

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View Westerly rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Westerly on your salary?

At $2,000/mo, how Westerly rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Westerly rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Westerly

About renting in Westerly, RI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Westerly is $2,000/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,330/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,630/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,340/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,040/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($95,207/yr), Westerly ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Westerly an affordable city for renters?

Westerly is considered affordable for renters. At $2,000/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($95,207/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Westerly falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Westerly?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,000/mo in Westerly. The local median household income is $95,207/yr, meaning the typical Westerly household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Westerly?

Rent in Westerly has increased 2.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Westerly is one of the more affordable cities in Rhode Island for rent, ranking #18 out of 24 tracked cities at $2,000/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Westerly?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Westerly ($2,000/mo): New London ($1,586/mo), Griswold ($1,862/mo).

What percentage of Westerly residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 28.6% of Westerly households are renters, while 71.4% are owner-occupied. Westerly leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Westerly rent compare to the national average?

Westerly's median rent of $2,000/mo is $35 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Rhode Island, it ranks #18 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,000/mo, rent takes ~25% of Westerly's median household income ($95,207/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Westerly 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.75–5.99%
Run the Westerly affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Westerly
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Westerly, RI

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