Rhode Island's independent streak – it was the only state to reject ratification of the 18th Amendment banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol in 1920 – dates back to its 17th century roots as the land of self-governance and individual freedoms. Forced to flee religious persecution in Massachusetts, Roger Williams founded the first permanent settlement in 1636 in Providence on land purchased from the Narragansett Indians. Newport became a major trading and shipping port, and Rhode Island's economy boomed.
Rhode Island was the first of the original 13 colonies to renounce allegiance to Great Britain in 1776 and was the last to ratify the Constitution in 1790, insisting that the Bill of Rights be added.
Cost of Living
2021 Third Quarter 2021 Cost of Living (US Average 100)
| Rank |
Index |
Grocery |
Housing |
Utilities |
Transportation |
Health |
Misc. |
| 41 |
115.8 |
106.3 |
121.5 |
127.7 |
102.6 |
105.9 |
116.5 |