Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in North Smithfield, RI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.1% of gross income.
North Smithfield rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Rhode Island state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Rhode Island cities have lower median rent than North Smithfield, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for North Smithfield
View full rent data for North Smithfield, RI →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in North Smithfield, RI?
Median rent in North Smithfield is $2,293 a month. A typical firefighter in Rhode Island earns about $65,322 a year, which makes that rent 42.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in North Smithfield?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Rhode Island (~$65,322/yr) supports up to $1,633 a month in rent. North Smithfield's current median rent is $2,293/mo, which is $660/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in North Smithfield?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a firefighter in Rhode Island works roughly 73 hours a month to cover North Smithfield's median rent of $2,293.
Where is rent cheaper than North Smithfield for a firefighter?
Nearby Rhode Island cities with lower median rent include Bristol ($2,284/mo), Bristol ($2,283/mo), Bristol ($2,282/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.