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Arizona to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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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

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • High summer temperatures
  • Limited ocean access
  • Desert landscape
  • Less diverse seasons
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder climate
  • Coastal proximity
  • Green scenery
  • Four distinct seasons

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Humidity levels
  • Limited open space
  • Higher cost of living
  • Potential winter storms
Arizona iconArizona
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaStuffed Quahogs
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • FnB
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • Al Forno Restaurant
  • The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
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 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

ComparisonArizonaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialColonial
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 listingSpacious layouts, poolsSea 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 Arizona’s $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

ComparisonArizonaRhode 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 DisastersDust storms, wildfiresHurricanes, blizzards
Air QualityGenerally goodVariable, urban areas can have poor air quality
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)104Β°F/75Β°F82Β°F/63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F/46Β°F40Β°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

ComparisonArizonaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$74,568$81,854
Cost of Living Index101.2123.3
State Income Tax4.50%5.99%
Avg. Property Tax0.66%1.66%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Real Estate, ManufacturingHealthcare, Education, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessNoticeableLess 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

ComparisonArizonaRhode Island
Political Make-upModerately Conservative/Lean RedLiberal/Lean Blue
Local PoliticsDivided, with a balance of Red & Blue countiesMostly Blue, especially in urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominates, notably Evangelical and CatholicCatholic 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

ComparisonArizonaRhode 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 SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Oro Valley
Basis Peoria
Rockwell Elementary School
Narragansett Elementary School
Hamilton Elementary School
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis Chandler
Basis Peoria
Basis Tucson North
Barrington Middle School
Wickford Middle School
Lincoln Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsBasis Scottsdale
Basis Oro Valley
Basis Chandler
Classical High School
Barrington High School
East Greenwich High School
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory
The Gregory School
Phoenix Country Day School
Moses Brown School
St. George's School
Wheeler School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Gregory School
Phoenix Country Day School
Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Moses Brown School
Wheeler School
Lincoln School
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale 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 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3.5-11 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,611300 ft3$8.70
1 Bedroom$3,894450 ft3$8.65
2 Bedrooms$6,453750 ft3$8.60
3 Bedrooms$9,4101100 ft3$8.55
4 Bedrooms$13,6071600 ft3$8.50
5+ Bedrooms$15,2181800 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.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Rhode Island

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details

Phoenix to Rhode Island

Tucson to Rhode Island

Mesa to Rhode Island

Chandler to Rhode Island

    Scottsdale to Rhode Island

      Gilbert to Rhode Island

        Glendale to Rhode Island

          Tempe to Rhode Island

            Peoria to Rhode Island