2026 Relocation Deep Dive: Warwick, Rhode Island

Warwick: The Data Profile (2026)

Warwick presents a compelling statistical anomaly in the post-remote economy. With a population of 82,997, it functions as a high-density service hub rather than a sprawling metropolis. The economic engine is robust: the median income sits at $86,193, a significant 15.6% deviation above the US median of $74,580. This purchasing power is amplified by an educated workforce, where 38.3% of residents hold degrees, outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Professional." This is a worker earning between $75,000 and $110,000 who requires proximity to the Providence or Boston metro corridors but demands suburban affordability. The 15.6% income premium relative to the national average makes this demographic the primary economic driver.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living (COL) index in Warwick is favorable compared to national averages, though specific utility costs skew the data. The aggregate index suggests a 2.0% reduction in living costs relative to the US average, driven primarily by groceries and transportation.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner with the median income of $86,193 takes home approximately $5,150 monthly after taxes. Subtracting the $2,706 monthly expenditure leaves a disposable income of $2,444. This is a high savings rate (47%), significantly boosted by the 94.4 grocery index. However, the electric bill at 28.65 cents/kWh (vs. US 16.0 cents) is a critical outlier, costing the average household an extra $40-$60 per month compared to the national norm.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Warwick is currently undervalued relative to income levels. With a Housing Index of 98.0, homes are 2.0% cheaper than the national average, while incomes are 15.6% higher. This creates a unique equity-building window for buyers.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The rent-to-price ratio heavily favors buying. A median home priced at $385,000 with a 20% down payment results in a mortgage of roughly $2,450 (at current estimated rates of 6.5%). Comparing this to the $1,850 cost of a 3BR rental, the monthly premium to own is only $600. Given the -11.7% price-per-square-foot discount versus the US average, buying is the statistically superior long-term wealth generation strategy in Warwick for 2026.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Warwick’s economy is insulated by its dual role as a logistics gateway (TF Green Airport) and a residential zone for the greater Providence/Boston corridor. The 4.3% unemployment rate is slightly elevated above the 4.0% national average, suggesting a tight but competitive labor market.

RTO & Commute Impact:
In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has stabilized commute times. The average commute in Warwick is 22 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. For workers commuting to Providence (15 minutes) or Boston (75 minutes), the 22-minute local average serves as a buffer. The local economy is anchored by healthcare (Kent Hospital) and insurance, providing high stability despite the 0.3% unemployment gap.

Quality of Life Audit

Warwick scores high on safety and air quality but faces notable public health challenges regarding metabolic health.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety:
Warwick is a statistical outlier for safety. Violent crime stands at 160 incidents per 100k people (vs. US 380), and property crime is 1,457 per 100k (vs. US 2,000). This places Warwick in the top 15% of safest cities in the US for its population size.

Air Quality:
With an AQI of 38 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, Warwick offers pristine air quality relative to the US averages of 55 and 9.0 µg/m³. This is a major health asset for families.

Schools & Weather:
The weather today is 48.0°F with a high of 45°F, typical of the region's seasonal volatility. Schools in Warwick perform at 102% of the state average, providing solid educational value for the tax base.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: You earn 15.6% more than the national average while housing costs are 2.0% lower.
• Safety: Violent crime is 58% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 38 is exceptional for an East Coast urban hub.
• Buying Power: The Rent vs. Buy spread of $600 makes equity accumulation accessible.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity (33.0%) and Diabetes (12.1%) rates are higher than average, suggesting a sedentary local culture.
• Utilities: Electricity costs are 78% higher than the national average.
• Weather: The current 45°F high indicates a harsh winter season which impacts utility bills and lifestyle.

Final Recommendation:
Warwick is a Strong Buy for 2026. The data supports a relocation for professionals seeking to maximize savings rates while maintaining a short commute. The high electricity costs are a manageable expense when weighed against the $600/month savings in housing costs compared to renting, and the $12,000 annual income premium over the national average.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Warwick?
To match the median lifestyle, a single person needs $86,193. However, to live comfortably (saving 20% of income), a salary of $70,000 is sufficient due to the 98.0 housing index.

2. How does Warwick's value compare to nearby Providence?
Warwick offers a -8.3% discount on median home prices compared to the national average, whereas Providence is closer to the $450,000 mark. Warwick provides more square footage for the dollar.

3. Is the crime rate actually low?
Yes. The violent crime rate is 160/100k. This is less than half the US average of 380/100k, making it one of the safest cities of its size.

4. When is the best time to move?
Based on the weather data (current temp 48.0°F), moving in late Spring (May) or early Fall (September) is recommended to avoid the winter heating costs associated with the 28.65 cents/kWh electric rate.