City Comparison
Smithfield vs Newport
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Newport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smithfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
22% lower than in Newport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
26% lower than Newport's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Newport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $2,500 | -26% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $342 | -39% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $3,662 | -22% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 130 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 34% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smithfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $80,000 in Newport.
| Metric | Smithfield | Newport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $56,585 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $80,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 43,527 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $86,313 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.3°F of each other.
| Metric | Smithfield | Newport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | 51.90°F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | 72.80°F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | 27.40°F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | 41.40 in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | 20.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | 261 |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newport has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Smithfield.
Newport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Newport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newport is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Smithfield is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Newport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 24,874 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | — |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
Newport
Advantages
Newport's total crime rate is 21% lower than the national average as of 2024.
The average commute time in Newport is 18.9 minutes, shorter than the national average.
The 'Ocean economy' in the Greater Newport region experienced a 27% growth from 2014 to 2024.
Newport's residents have a higher percentage of Bachelor's degrees or higher compared to the state and national averages.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and numerous outdoor activities, particularly water sports and historical attractions.
Drawbacks
The median property value in Newport was $746,900 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.
Newport County experienced a population decrease of 0.37% between 2024 and 2025, primarily due to domestic migration.
The homeownership rate in Newport is 49.8%, which is lower than the national average.
Newport has a higher average monthly utility cost compared to other cities in Rhode Island.
Larceny/theft was noted as a concern in Newport's property crime rate in late 2023.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Newport
#547Rhode Island, USA
48.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,500
Avg Salary
$56,585
Cost Index
130
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
261/yr
Avg Temp
51.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
82
Business
70
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