California to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Rhode Island

ConsCalifornia

• Sky-high housing costs
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Very high income tax
• Wildfire smoke season
• Drought, water restrictions
• Frequent earthquakes
• Expensive parking
• Inland summer heat
• Long in-state drives
• High sales tax
• Overcrowded beaches
• Housing bidding wars
• Smoggy inland air

ProsRhode Island

• Lower home prices
• Shorter commutes
• Lower income taxes
• Minimal wildfire smoke
• Reliable precipitation
• Lower quake risk
• Easier parking
• Cooler ocean breezes
• Shorter in-state trips
• Lower sales tax
• Quieter coastline
• Less bidding pressure
• Cleaner sea air

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Rhode Island

• Snowy, icy winters
• Smaller job market
• Limited tech roles
• Less geographic variety
• Shorter beach season
• Smaller arts scene
• Fewer direct flights
• Fewer top campuses
• Smaller dining scene
• Fewer nearby parks
• Humid summer weather
• Less consistent surf
• Fewer entertainment jobs

California

• Mild, sunny winters
• Vast job opportunities
• Major tech ecosystem
• Diverse natural landscapes
• Year-round beach days
• Big-city cultural scene
• Global flight connections
• Renowned universities
• Top-tier dining variety
• Iconic national parks
• Drier summer air
• Consistent surf breaks
• Entertainment industry jobs

Pros of moving from California to Rhode Island

• Say goodbye to sky-high housing costs and hello to lower home prices
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Rhode Island with shorter commutes
• Swap the very high income tax of California for lower income taxes in Rhode Island
• Get ready for minimal wildfire smoke in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from California to Rhode Island

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild, sunny winters in California to live with snowy, icy winters in Rhode Island
• You'll lose out on the pro of vast job opportunities and have to settle with the con of a smaller job market
• Time to bid farewell to a major tech ecosystem and get used to limited tech roles in Rhode Island
• Swap diverse natural landscapes for less geographic variety

California vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Barbecue and sumptuous Tacos, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Clam Cakes and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Lobster Roll of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and In-N-Out Burger. 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, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and The Modern Bistro.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Rhode Island

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
• Compared to California's real estate listings which commonly reference pools and open floor plans, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than California.
• Rhode Island has less of an urban feel than California.
• Rhode Island housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Rhode Island is 23.65% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in Rhode Island.
• The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Rhode Island

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 11% less than in California
• The COLI in Rhode Island will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in RI is 5.99 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Rhode Island compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Rhode Island

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic majority in its political climate
• Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as a Liberal/Democratic majority
• Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as predominantly Catholic but with growing diversity
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly diverse with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from California to Rhode Island

How Much Do California to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 3,079 miles from California to Rhode Island will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.