Rhode Island is charming, coastal, and famously tiny — a state you can cross in under an hour. But in 2026, small doesn’t always mean simple. For many residents, the Ocean State is starting to feel cramped, costly, and limited.
1. Housing Prices Feel Way Too High
Home prices and rents don’t always match local wages, even outside prime coastal areas.
2. Property Taxes Hurt More Than Expected
For homeowners, tax bills add a painful layer to already expensive housing.
3. Cost of Living Keeps Climbing
Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses keep inching upward.
4. Job Market Feels Narrow
Outside healthcare, education, and a few industries, career options can feel limited.
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