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Connecticut to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 116 mile interstate move from Connecticut to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Connecticut vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial vs cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Connecticut), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and New Haven-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Connecticut
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 4.38% more expensive than in Connecticut
  • Moving from Connecticut to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Connecticut to Rhode Island movers is Smooth Move & Delivery

Connecticut to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Connecticut to Rhode Island

ConsConnecticut iconConnecticut
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited coastal areas
  • Severe winters
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Milder winters

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Smaller urban areas
  • Limited universities
  • Fewer restaurant options
Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Cultural diversity
  • Access to big cities
  • Quality education
  • Local cuisine variety

Pros of moving from Connecticut to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Rhode Island with less traffic
  • Swap the limited coastal areas of Connecticut for beautiful beaches in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for milder winters in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Connecticut to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Connecticut to live with fewer cultural events in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of access to big cities and have to settle for the con of smaller urban areas
  • Time to bid farewell to quality education and get used to limited universities in Rhode Island
  • Swap local cuisine variety for fewer restaurant options

Connecticut vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonConnecticutRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishNew Haven-style PizzaStuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
Most popular street food itemSteamed CheeseburgersHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodKale SaladSeitan Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Sally's Apizza
  • Ted's Restaurant
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • Al Forno Restaurant
  • Olneyville New York System
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 Connecticut to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Connecticut for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Connecticut rave about their flavorful New Haven-style Pizza and sumptuous Steamed Cheeseburgers, 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 Kale Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Stew of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Connecticut eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Ted's Restaurant. 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 Olneyville New York System.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Connecticut and Rhode Island

ComparisonConnecticutRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonialCottage
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 backyards, historical featuresProximity to beaches, modern updates
  • The Colonial architecture that Connecticut is known for will be replaced with the Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to Connecticut's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious backyards and historical features, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and modern updates.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Connecticut.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Connecticut.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Connecticut.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Connecticut, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Connecticut’s $393,802.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 55% increase in Connecticut.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 4.38% more expensive than in Connecticut.

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

ComparisonConnecticutRhode 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 DisastersSnowstorms, HurricanesSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6082/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/1837/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5048
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3733
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Connecticut to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 4% more sunny days than Connecticut.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Connecticut.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and hurricanes in Connecticut, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 1 degree colder than in Connecticut.
  • The average winter lows in Rhode Island are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Connecticut.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Connecticut.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Connecticut and Rhode Island

ComparisonConnecticutRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$88,429$81,854
Cost of Living Index122.1123.3
State Income Tax3-6.99%3.75-5.99%
Avg. Property Tax2.14%1.63%
Avg. Sales Tax6.35%7%
Top 3 IndustriesInsurance, Finance, Real EstateHealth Services, Tourism, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 7% less than those in Connecticut
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Connecticut
  • The state income tax in RI is 3.75-5.99% compared to 3-6.99% in CT
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to high in Connecticut
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to low in Connecticut
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Connecticut and low in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Connecticut vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonConnecticutRhode Island
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaried emphasis on economic development and educationFocus on social services and infrastructure
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a mix of other faithsSignificantly Catholic, with a diverse mix of other religions
  • Connecticut tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as significantly Catholic, with a diverse mix of other religions
  • Connecticut's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Connecticut to Rhode Island

ComparisonConnecticutRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Connecticut
Yale University
Quinnipiac University
Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGlenville School (Greenwich)
International School at Dundee (Riverside)
West School (New Canaan)
Rockwell School (Bristol)
Hamilton School (North Kingstown)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEastern Middle School (Riverside)
Middlesex Middle School (Darien)
Bedford Middle School (Westport)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Portsmouth Middle School (Portsmouth)
Top 3 High SchoolsStaples High School (Westport)
Greenwich High School (Greenwich)
Ridgefield High School (Ridgefield)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
Top 3 private high schoolsChoate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville)
The Hopkins School (New Haven)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGreenwich Country Day School (Greenwich)
Kingswood Oxford School (West Hartford)
Brunswick School (Greenwich)
Lincoln School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich)
Top 3 School DistrictsWestport School District
Greenwich School District
New Canaan School District
Barrington School District
East Greenwich School District
Narragansett School District

How Much Do Connecticut to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 116 miles from Connecticut to Rhode Island will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Extra Help Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,078300 ft3$3.59
1 Bedroom$1,598450 ft3$3.55
2 Bedrooms$2,631750 ft3$3.51
3 Bedrooms$3,8121100 ft3$3.47
4 Bedrooms$5,4771600 ft3$3.42
5+ Bedrooms$6,0861800 ft3$3.38

Top Connecticut to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Smooth Move & Delivery featured image

Smooth Move & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Connecticut to Rhode Island

9.21/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Expert Movers & Storage Inc featured image

Expert Movers & Storage Inc

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Expert Movers, LLC featured image

Expert Movers, LLC

9.07/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Connecticut to Rhode Island Routes

Bridgeport to Rhode Island