City Comparison
Smithfield vs Pawtucket
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Pawtucket
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pawtucket is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Smithfield.
| Metric | Smithfield | Pawtucket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $1,788 | +3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $210 | $180 | +17% |
| Transport | $130 | $90 | +44% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $2,708 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 14% 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 $55,000 in Pawtucket.
| Metric | Smithfield | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $66,498 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 69,998 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $68,310 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Smithfield runs warmer on average — a 50.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Smithfield comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Pawtucket scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Pawtucket leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Pawtucket is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Pawtucket is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smithfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 75,893 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.90% |
| 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.
Pawtucket
Advantages
Pawtucket is the third most walkable city in Rhode Island, with a Walk Score of 71, making it easy to run errands on foot.
The median household income in Pawtucket was $68,310 in 2024, which is competitive within the region.
Pawtucket's cost of living is generally more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.
The city has a rich industrial history and is home to the Slater Mill Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Pawtucket has a growing arts scene and is actively involved in community development programs.
Drawbacks
Pawtucket has a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 307.6 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Pawtucket was 3.9% as of June 2026, which is higher than the national average of 4.1% in 2024.
Pawtucket's walkability score of 41 indicates a significant car dependency, despite its overall walkability ranking in the state.
While improving, the crime trajectory in Pawtucket is noted as 'improving' based on 5 years of data, suggesting past higher rates.
Pawtucket has a higher poverty rate (13.3%) than the national average (12.5%).
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
Pawtucket
#425Rhode Island, USA
56.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,788
Avg Salary
$66,498
Cost Index
95
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
71.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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