Arizona to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Updated June 3, 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 high summer temperatures vs milder climate), 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
Arizona to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- High summer temperatures
- Limited ocean access
- Desert landscape
- Less diverse seasons
- Milder climate
- Coastal proximity
- Green scenery
- Four distinct seasons
- Humidity levels
- Limited open space
- Higher cost of living
- Potential winter storms
- Sunny days
- Vast landscapes
- Outdoor activities
- Unique desert flora
Pros of moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to high summer temperatures and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited ocean access and moving to Rhode Island with coastal proximity
- Swap the desert landscape of Arizona for green scenery in Rhode Island
- Get ready for four distinct seasons in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from Arizona to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny days in Arizona to live with humidity levels in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of vast landscapes and have to settle for the con of limited open space
- Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to a higher cost of living in Rhode Island
- Swap unique desert flora for potential winter storms
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 |
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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 University of Arizona Northern Arizona University | Brown University University of Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Basis Scottsdale Basis Oro Valley Basis Peoria | Rockwell Elementary School Narragansett Elementary School Hamilton Elementary School |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Chandler Basis Peoria Basis Tucson North | Barrington Middle School Wickford Middle School Lincoln Middle School |
Top 3 High School Schools | Basis Scottsdale Basis Oro Valley Basis Chandler | Classical High School Barrington High School East Greenwich High School |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory The Gregory School Phoenix Country Day School | Moses Brown School St. George's School Wheeler School |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Gregory School Phoenix Country Day School Rancho Solano Preparatory School | Moses Brown School Wheeler School Lincoln School |
Top 3 School Districts | Scottsdale Unified School District Catalina Foothills School District Chandler Unified School District | Barrington School District East Greenwich School District Lincoln School District |
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: 3.5-11 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
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 |
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