True Cost of Renting in Pawtucket, RI

Pawtucket immediately borders Providence to the north and was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution (Slater Mill, 1793). The Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A baseball) play at McCoy Stadium. Rents run 20–25% below Providence, making it a value alternative for workers at Providence's major hospitals and universities. National Grid provides electricity.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Woodlawn / Oak Hill

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,100/mo
2 Bed:
$1,600/mo

More stable residential neighborhoods in Pawtucket; mix of apartment buildings and converted triple-deckers. National Grid electric. RIPTA bus access to Providence. I-95 access for regional commutes. Good value for Brown/RISD and hospital workers.

Central Falls (adjacent)

Studio:
$750/mo
1 Bed:
$950/mo
2 Bed:
$1,400/mo

Separate small city immediately west of Pawtucket; one of the most affordable communities in Rhode Island. Dense Latino community with authentic restaurants. Very close to Providence. Research specific block conditions.

Downtown Pawtucket

Studio:
$800/mo
1 Bed:
$1,000/mo
2 Bed:
$1,500/mo

City center near the revitalized arts district and Slater Mill; some new apartment development in former mills. RIPTA access to Providence. Improving steadily since 2015 arts district designation.

Utility Providers

Electric
National Grid Rhode Island
Water
Pawtucket Water Supply Board
Internet
Cox Communications, Verizon, Starry Internet

Commute & Transportation

Pawtucket is immediately adjacent to Providence — the commute to Downtown Providence by RIPTA bus is 15–20 minutes, making it effectively an inner neighborhood for Providence workers. I-95 connects south to Providence (5 miles) and north toward Boston. Major employers in the Providence metro accessible from Pawtucket: Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Brown University, and RISD. Pawtucket's own employers include Hasbro (headquartered in Pawtucket) and Lifespan.

Rental Market Overview

Pawtucket is genuinely 10 minutes from Providence by bus but with notably lower rents — a value that isn't widely known outside Rhode Island. National Grid electric rates apply at the same high RI rates. The arts district redevelopment has gentrified slowly but consistently. Central Falls is even more affordable but requires more neighborhood research. Renters insurance averages $15–20/month.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Pawtucket

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Pawtucket: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Pawtucket?
One-bedroom apartments in Pawtucket range from $950/month in Central Falls (adjacent) to $1,100/month in Woodlawn / Oak Hill. Two-bedroom units range from $1,400 to $1,600/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Pawtucket?
In Pawtucket, electricity is provided by National Grid Rhode Island, water by Pawtucket Water Supply Board, and common internet providers include Cox Communications, Verizon, Starry Internet. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Pawtucket?
Central Falls (adjacent) is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Pawtucket, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $950/month. Separate small city immediately west of Pawtucket; one of the most affordable communities in Rhode Island. Dense Latino community with authentic restaurants. Very close to Providence. Research specific block conditions. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Pawtucket expensive to rent in?
Pawtucket is genuinely 10 minutes from Providence by bus but with notably lower rents — a value that isn't widely known outside Rhode Island. National Grid electric rates apply at the same high RI rates. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Pawtucket — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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