Rhode Island · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Rhode Island property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 5 counties in Rhode Island. The average effective rate across the state is 1.16%, ranking Rhode Island 13 of 51 (above-average property taxes). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
1.16%
across 5 counties
National rank
#13
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$510,800
county median in state
Rate range
0.89%–1.35%
Newport County → Kent County
Same home, different county
On a $510,800 home (the typical county median in Rhode Island), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$2,380/yr
$198/mo · $23,803 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Rhode Island
The five Rhode Island counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Newport County | 0.89% |
| Washington County | 1.00% |
| Providence County | 1.25% |
| Bristol County | 1.29% |
| Kent County | 1.35% |
Highest property tax rates in Rhode Island
The five Rhode Islandcounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Kent County | 1.35% |
| Bristol County | 1.29% |
| Providence County | 1.25% |
| Washington County | 1.00% |
| Newport County | 0.89% |
Rhode Island real estate transfer tax
Rhode Island charges a combined transfer tax of about 0.75% of the purchase price. On a $510,800 home, that is roughly $3,831 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $510,800 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 0.00% | $0 |
| Seller | 0.75% | $3,831 |
Rate increased from $2.30/$500 to $3.75/$500 (0.75%) effective January 1, 2026, a 63% increase enacted in the FY2026 budget. Tier 2 threshold for an additional higher rate on luxury portions is $824,000 (adjusted annually). Seller-paid by custom. Revenue dedicated to affordable housing programs.
Rhode Island is an attorney-closing state: expect a real estate attorney fee of roughly $600–$1,500 at closing.
Official Rhode Island source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Rhode Island
Across Rhode Island's 5 counties, buyer closing costs run $5,662 to $13,032 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $78,882 to $134,972. Pick your county for your own figures.
Rhode Island closing cost calculatorRhode Island property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Rhode Island may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Local Homestead Exemptions
Rhode Island has no statewide homestead exemption; cities and towns set their own. Providence offers a 40% owner-occupied residential exemption, North Providence a 20% exemption, and Cranston a ~$12,495 reduction.
View official source →Veterans Exemption (RIGL 44-3-4)
Statutory minimum $282 exemption for qualifying veterans; disabled veteran exemptions scaled from $582 to $5,808 by disability rating; Gold Star parents $5,808. Municipalities may increase amounts locally.
View official source →Senior/Elderly Exemption (local option)
Most RI cities and towns offer an elderly exemption for residents 65+ (or 62+ on Social Security in some towns). Statutory minimum around $460 with larger local amounts subject to income tests.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 5 counties in Rhode Island
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Rhode Island. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Bristol County | 1.29% |
| Kent County | 1.35% |
| Newport County | 0.89% |
| Providence County | 1.25% |
| Washington County | 1.00% |
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.