Arizona to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Updated August 20, 2025
Planning a 2,485 mile interstate move from Arizona to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer heat vs milder summer temps), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (spanish colonial vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffed Quahogs
- Rhode Island housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Rhode Island is 8.77% more expensive than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Rhode Island will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to Rhode Island movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

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

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Rhode Island

AAA Soto's Moving

New Beginnings Moving Solutions
Arizona to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- Extreme summer heat
- Water scarcity
- Dust storms
- High AC bills
- Landlocked desert
- Limited fall colors
- Long in-state drives
- Car-dependent sprawl
- Wildfire smoke
- Sparse public transit
- Limited fresh seafood
- Dry, arid scenery
- Milder summer temps
- More reliable rainfall
- Cleaner coastal air
- Lower cooling costs
- Ocean beaches nearby
- Spectacular foliage
- Shorter commutes
- Walkable towns
- Less wildfire smoke
- Better regional transit
- Fresh local seafood
- Lusher landscapes
- Cloudier, rainier skies
- Humid summers
- Snowy, icy winters
- Higher heating bills
- Higher taxes
- Higher housing costs
- Scarcer parking
- More congestion
- Seasonal trail closures
- Smaller lots
- Short pool season
- Muggy summer heat
- Bulky winter gear
- Weaker solar potential
- Older housing stock
- Smaller job market
- Abundant sunshine
- Low humidity
- Mild winters
- Lower heating costs
- Lower taxes
- Lower housing costs
- Easier parking
- Wide open roads
- Year-round hiking
- Big backyards
- Long pool season
- Dry heat comfort
- Minimal winter wear
- Strong solar potential
- Newer construction
- Large, growing job market
Pros of moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to milder summer temps
- Look forward to moving away from water scarcity and moving to Rhode Island with more reliable rainfall
- Swap the dust storms of Arizona for cleaner coastal air in Rhode Island
- Get ready for lower cooling costs in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from abundant sunshine in Arizona to live with cloudier and rainier skies in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of low humidity and have to settle for the con of humid summers
- Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to snowy and icy winters in Rhode Island
- Swap lower heating costs for higher heating bills
Arizona vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Clam Cakes |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Stuffed Quahogs |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Hot Wieners |
Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Seaweed Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | 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 Arizona to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffed Quahogs and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed Salad of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and FnB. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, Al Forno Restaurant, and The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar.
When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Rhode Island compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arizona | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious layouts, pools | Sea views, historic details |
- The Spanish Colonial architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Rhode Island.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and pools, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like sea views and historic details.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Rhode Island is more walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Rhode Island is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Rhode Island housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Rhode Island is 8.77% more expensive than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arizona | 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 | Dust storms, wildfires | Hurricanes, blizzards |
Air Quality | Generally good | Variable, urban areas can have poor air quality |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 104Β°F/75Β°F | 82Β°F/63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F/46Β°F | 40Β°F/20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3" | 33.8" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 30% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible dust storms and wildfires in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and blizzards in Rhode Island.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 22 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 26 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 37 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Rhode Island
Comparison | Arizona | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $81,854 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 123.3 |
State Income Tax | 4.50% | 5.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.66% | 1.66% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.40% | 7.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Real Estate, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Education, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less Visible |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 10% more than in Arizona
- The COLI in Rhode Island will be 22% higher than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in RI is 5.99% compared to 4.50% in AZ
- The affluence in Rhode Island is higher compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is lower in Rhode Island compared to moderate poverty in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Arizona and less visible in Rhode Island
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Rhode Island
Comparison | Arizona | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative/Lean Red | Liberal/Lean Blue |
Local Politics | Divided, with a balance of Red & Blue counties | Mostly Blue, especially in urban areas |
Religion | Christianity predominates, notably Evangelical and Catholic | Catholic majority, with a diverse mix of other faiths |
- Arizona tends to lean moderately Conservative/Lean Red in its political climate
- Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Lean Blue
- Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as a Catholic majority with a diverse mix of other faiths
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, notably Evangelical and Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
Comparison | Arizona | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Arizona State University Tempe; University of Arizona Tucson; Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | University of Rhode Island Kingston; Rhode Island College Providence; Brown University Providence |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Casa Antigua Elementary School Tucson; Sonoran Sky Elementary School Scottsdale; Basis Phoenix Primary Phoenix | Nayatt School Barrington; Eldredge Elementary School East Greenwich; Frenchtown School East Greenwich |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Scottsdale Scottsdale; Great Hearts - Archway Veritas Phoenix; Sonoran Trails Middle School Cave Creek | Barrington Middle School Barrington; Cole Middle School East Greenwich; Curtis Corner Middle School South Kingstown |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale Scottsdale; University High School Tucson; Catalina Foothills High School Tucson | Barrington High School Barrington; East Greenwich High School East Greenwich; North Kingstown High School North Kingstown |
Top 3 private high schools | Chandler Preparatory Academy Chandler; Brophy College Preparatory Phoenix; Notre Dame Preparatory Scottsdale | Moses Brown School Providence; The Wheeler School Providence; Rocky Hill Country Day School East Greenwich |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Basis Oro Valley Oro Valley; The Odyssey Institute for Advanced International Studies Buckeye; Great Hearts Anthem Anthem | Providence Country Day School East Providence; St. Andrew's School Barrington; Lincoln School Providence |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Scottsdale; Catalina Foothills Unified District Tucson; Paradise Valley Unified District Phoenix | Barrington Public Schools Barrington; East Greenwich School District East Greenwich; South Kingstown School District South Kingstown |
How Much Do Arizona to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
Moving 2,485 miles from Arizona to Rhode Island will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,611 | 300 ft3 | $8.70 |
1 Bedroom | $3,894 | 450 ft3 | $8.65 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,453 | 750 ft3 | $8.60 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,410 | 1100 ft3 | $8.55 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,607 | 1600 ft3 | $8.50 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,218 | 1800 ft3 | $8.45 |