Arkansas to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Updated June 14, 2025

Planning a 1,374 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs milder climate), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (traditional, ranch vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
- Rhode Island housing costs are 122% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
- Rent in Rhode Island is 58.17% more expensive than in Arkansas
- Moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
- Our top recommended Arkansas to Rhode Island movers is B2 Moving
Arkansas to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island
- Hot summers
- Limited coastline
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less cultural diversity
- Isolation in rural areas
- Milder climate
- Beautiful beaches
- Diverse economy
- Rich cultural scene
- Compact state size
- Higher living expenses
- Urban sprawl
- Less personal space
- Hectic lifestyle
- New food culture
- Low cost of living
- Natural beauty
- Friendly communities
- Seasonal festivals
- Local cuisine
Pros of moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to Rhode Island with beautiful beaches
- Swap the fewer job opportunities of Arkansas for a diverse economy in Rhode Island
- Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of urban sprawl
- Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to less personal space in Rhode Island
- Swap seasonal festivals for a hectic lifestyle
Arkansas vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Clam Cakes |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) |
Most popular street food item | Fried Pickles | Hot Wieners |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Seitan Sandwich |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Fried Pickles, 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 BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Sandwich of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Pantry, and South on Main. 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, Hemenwayβs Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar, and Iggyβs Doughboys and Chowder House.
When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arkansas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Rhode Island compared to what you are used to in Arkansas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Traditional, Ranch | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious Yards, Privacy | Close to Amenities, Ocean Views |
- The Traditional and Ranch architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
- Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and ocean views.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Arkansas.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
- Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
- Rhode Island housing costs are 122% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Arkansasβs $203,305.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
- Rent in Rhode Island is 58.17% more expensive than in Arkansas.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Severe Storms | Blizzards, Coastal Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 82Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 51Β°F / 32Β°F | 40Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 47" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5" | 33" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
- Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arkansas.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Arkansas, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and coastal storms in Rhode Island.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 8 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
- The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $81,854 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 123.3 |
State Income Tax | 4.9% | 5.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.63% | 1.35% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.47% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail | Health Care, Education, Tourism |
Affluence | Modest | Comfortable |
Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 48% more than in Arkansas
- The COLI in Rhode Island will be 36% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
- The state income tax in RI is 5.99% compared to 4.9% in AR
- The affluence in Rhode Island is comfortable compared to modest in Arkansas
- The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to significant in Arkansas
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Rhode Island
Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Rhode Island
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Predominantly Republican | Primarily Democratic |
Local Politics | Conservative policies | Liberal policies |
Religion | Majorly Protestant | Significant Catholic presence |
- Arkansas tends to lean predominantly Republican in its political climate
- Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
- Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as having a significant Catholic presence
- Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majorly Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Rhode Island
Comparison | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas | University of Rhode Island Brown University Rhode Island College |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Baker Interdistrict Elementary School Little Rock; Forest Park Elementary Little Rock; Jefferson Elementary Little Rock | Rockwell Elementary School Bristol; Nayatt School Barrington; Hamilton School North Kingstown |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Lisa Academy North Middle School Sherwood; LISA Academy West Middle School Little Rock; Bentonville Middle School Bentonville | Barrington Middle School Barrington; Wickford Middle School North Kingstown; Portsmouth Middle School Portsmouth |
Top 3 High School Schools | Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville; Bentonville High School Bentonville; Rogers High School Rogers | Classical High School Providence; Barrington High School Barrington; East Greenwich High School East Greenwich |
Top 3 private high schools | Pulaski Academy Little Rock; The New School Fayetteville; Little Rock Christian Academy Little Rock | Moses Brown School Providence; St. George's School Middletown; The Wheeler School Providence |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Anthony School Little Rock; Subiaco Academy Subiaco; Episcopal Collegiate School Little Rock | Lincoln School Providence; Rocky Hill Country Day School East Greenwich; The Wheeler School Providence |
Top 3 School Districts | Bentonville School District; Rogers School District; Fayetteville Public Schools | Barrington Public Schools; East Greenwich Public Schools; North Kingstown School District |
How Much Do Arkansas to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
Moving 1,374 miles from Arkansas to Rhode Island will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,981 | 300 ft3 | $6.60 |
1 Bedroom | $2,950 | 450 ft3 | $6.55 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,879 | 750 ft3 | $6.50 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,100 | 1100 ft3 | $6.45 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,248 | 1600 ft3 | $6.40 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,439 | 1800 ft3 | $6.35 |
Top Arkansas to Rhode Island Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arkansas to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.