News Summary
Rhode Island has been identified as the 14th most expensive state for middle-class living in the United States, with a median household income of $84,972. The income necessary to qualify as middle class in the state ranges from $56,642 to $169,944. Massachusetts leads the list as the most expensive state for middle-class residents, followed closely by New Jersey, Maryland, and New Hampshire. This data underlines the growing challenges faced by the middle class in Rhode Island and across the nation.
Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island has been identified as the 14th most expensive state for middle-class living in the United States, as the income necessary to uphold middle-class status continues to rise. According to calculations by SmartAsset, a household in Rhode Island is considered middle class if it has an income between $56,642 and $169,944. The state’s median household income stands at $84,972.
Massachusetts has claimed the title of the most expensive state for middle-class living, with its middle-income households required to earn between $66,565 and $199,716. The median household income in Massachusetts is reported at $99,858, surpassing the income requirements in neighboring Rhode Island. Following Massachusetts is New Jersey, which ranks second; middle-class households there are defined by incomes ranging from $66,514 to $199,562.
Maryland and New Hampshire follow closely as the third and fourth most expensive states for middle-class living. In Maryland, middle-class incomes range from $65,779 to $197,356, while in New Hampshire, the range is $64,552 to $193,676.
Income Thresholds Across the U.S.
Among U.S. cities, Arlington, Virginia, has the highest middle-class income threshold, where households need between $93,470 and $280,438 to be considered middle class. Other cities in California feature prominently on the list, with San Jose requiring an income range of $90,810 to $272,458, Irvine ranging from $85,317 to $255,978, and San Francisco needing between $84,478 and $253,460.
Boston, Massachusetts, is ranked the 13th priciest city for middle-class living, with a required income range of $64,614 to $193,862. The median income in Boston stands at $96,931. Yet, Providence, Rhode Island, did not receive a specific ranking in this context.
Middle-Class Demographics
On a national level, approximately half of Americans are classified as middle class, while about 20% fall under the upper-class category and 28% are identified as lower-class. The income needed to be considered middle class varies significantly across different states. In Rhode Island specifically, the median household income is noted at $81,370, with the range for middle-class incomes adjusting between $54,246 and $162,740.
Rhode Island’s middle-class status has some comparative advantages; it requires less income than neighboring states like Massachusetts and Connecticut to achieve the same classification. Within the Providence-Warwick area, around 56.5% of residents possess middle-class incomes, compared to the national average of 52%.
Summary of State Rankings
- Massachusetts: 1st – Middle-class income range: $66,565 – $199,716; median income $99,858.
- New Jersey: 2nd – Middle-class income range: $66,514 – $199,562;
- Maryland: 3rd – Middle-class income range: $65,779 – $197,356;
- New Hampshire: 4th – Middle-class income range: $64,552 – $193,676;
- Rhode Island: 14th – Middle-class income range: $56,642 – $169,944; median income $84,972.
As living costs ascend in Rhode Island and nationally, understanding the implications for the middle class becomes increasingly essential for policymakers and residents alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: What’s Middle Class in RI?
- Rhode Island Current: A Providence 2-Bedroom Apartment Costs Half My Income
- WPRI: What Does It Take to Be Middle Class in 2025?
- SmartAsset: Middle Class 2025
- CNBC: How Much You Need to Earn to Be Upper Middle Class in Every US State
- Wikipedia: Cost of Living
- Google Search: Middle Class Income Criteria
- Google Scholar: Middle Class Economics 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Middle Class
- Google News: Middle Class Living Costs 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
