Movers

Alaska to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 3,505 mile interstate move from Alaska to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alaska vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extremely cold winters vs milder winters), food & health (like King Crab vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (log cabins, modern rustic vs colonial, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alaska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to King Crab and Reindeer Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Alaska
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 19.49% more expensive than in Alaska
  • Our top recommended Alaska to Rhode Island movers is Two Men and a Truck

Alaska to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Rhode Island

ConsAlaska iconAlaska
  • Extremely cold winters
  • Limited cultural exposure
  • Remote location
  • High cost of living
  • Isolation
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder winters
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Proximity to major cities
  • More affordable housing
  • Dense population

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited outdoor wilderness
  • Less wildlife
  • High sales tax
  • Less cultural uniqueness
  • Shorter days
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Amazing natural beauty
  • Abundant wildlife
  • No sales tax
  • Unique local culture
  • Summer daylight

Pros of moving from Alaska to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to extremely cold winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited cultural exposure and moving to Rhode Island with rich cultural diversity
  • Swap the remote location of Alaska for proximity to major cities in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for more affordable housing in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Alaska to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from amazing natural beauty in Alaska to live with limited outdoor wilderness in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle with the con of less wildlife
  • Time to bid farewell to no sales tax and get used to high sales tax in Rhode Island
  • Swap unique local culture for less cultural uniqueness

Alaska vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemKing CrabClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishReindeer SausageStuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
Most popular street food itemSalmon JerkyHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodWild Berry CobblerJohnnycakes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
  • Snow City Cafe
  • The Alaska Fish House
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway's Restaurant
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alaska to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Salmon Jerky, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Johnnycakes of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill, Snow City Cafe, and The Alaska Fish House. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway's Restaurant, and Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House.

When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Rhode Island compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Rhode Island

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleLog cabins, modern rusticColonial, cottage
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingNatural views, spacious lotsHistoric homes, proximity to the ocean
  • The log cabins and modern rustic architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural views and spacious lots, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and proximity to the ocean.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Alaska.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
  • Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 97% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 19.49% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Rhode Island

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 44Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)20Β°F / -10Β°F35Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2247
Annual Snowfall (Inches)7533
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 33% more sunshine days than Alaska.
  • Rhode Island has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and blizzards in Rhode Island.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 23 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
  • The average winter lows are 32 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 25 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Rhode Island

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$88,121$81,854
Cost of Living Index132.6123.3
State Income Tax0%3.75% to 5.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.02%1.63%
Avg. Sales Tax1.76%7%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Tourism, FishingHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 7% less than in Alaska
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
  • Bummer... By moving from AK to RI, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.75% to 5.99%
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to moderate in Alaska
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to moderate in Alaska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alaska and moderate in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Political Make-upMixed, tends lean conservativeStrongly leans liberal
Local PoliticsIndependent-minded, with a significant libertarian streakDemocratic-leaning, with active local government involvement in community services
ReligionDiverse, no single dominant religionPredominantly Catholic, with significant historical roots in the state
  • Alaska tends to lean mixed and conservative in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as strongly leaning liberal
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as predominantly Catholic, with significant historical roots in the state
  • Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Rhode Island

ComparisonAlaskaRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alaska Anchorage
UAF
UAS
Brown University
URI
RIC
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAquarian Charter School - Anchorage
Northern Lights ABC K-8 School - Anchorage
Rilke Schule German School of Arts & Sciences - Anchorage
Rockwell Elementary School - Bristol
Nayatt School - Barrington
Community School - Cumberland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRomig Middle School - Anchorage
Goldenview Middle School - Anchorage
Mirror Lake Middle School - Chugiak
Barrington Middle School - Barrington
Wickford Middle School - North Kingstown
Archie R. Cole Middle School - East Greenwich
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School - Anchorage
South Anchorage High - Anchorage
Dimond High School - Anchorage
Classical High School - Providence
Barrington High School - Barrington
East Greenwich High - East Greenwich
Top 3 private high schoolsGrace Christian School - Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School - Anchorage
Holy Rosary Academy - Anchorage
Moses Brown School - Providence
The Wheeler School - Providence
St. George's School - Middletown
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPacific Northern Academy - Anchorage
Birchwood Christian School - Chugiak
Anchorage Montessori School - Anchorage
Gordon School - East Providence
Lincoln School - Providence
The Wheeler School - Providence
Top 3 School DistrictsAnchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
South Kingstown School District

Top Alaska to Rhode Island Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alaska to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

Best moving company overall for Alaska to Rhode Island

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
RUNNER-UP
G Metz Moving

G Metz Moving

7.87/10
ALSO GREAT
The Moving Man featured image

The Moving Man

7.79/10
Top Alaska to Rhode Island Routes

Anchorage to Rhode Island