Florida to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Rhode Island

ConsFlorida

• oppressive humidity
• hurricane season stress
• extreme heat waves
• flat scenery
• car-dependent sprawl
• heavy traffic
• mosquitoes galore
• year-round AC costs
• sinkhole concerns
• tourist overcrowding
• frequent thunderstorms
• limited regional rail

ProsRhode Island

• cooler summer temps
• lower hurricane risk
• ocean-cooled breezes
• varied New England terrain
• walkable small towns
• shorter in-state drives
• fewer tropical pests
• lower cooling bills
• solid bedrock ground
• quieter coastal towns
• milder summer storms
• Northeast corridor access

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Rhode Island

• cold, snowy winters
• short beach season
• higher state taxes
• more cloudy days
• colder ocean water
• fewer major attractions
• higher heating costs
• seasonal produce only
• seasonal boating only
• narrow historic roads
• older housing stock
• quieter nightlife scene

Florida

• winter warmth
• year-round beaches
• no income tax
• abundant sunshine
• warm ocean water
• big theme parks
• lower heating bills
• fresh tropical fruit
• boating year-round
• expansive road network
• newer housing stock
• vibrant nightlife hubs

Pros of moving from Florida to Rhode Island

• Say goodbye to oppressive humidity and hello to cooler summer temps
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane season stress and moving to Rhode Island with lower hurricane risk
• Swap the extreme heat waves of Florida for ocean-cooled breezes in Rhode Island
• Get ready for varied New England terrain in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Florida to Rhode Island

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from winter warmth in Florida to live with cold snowy winters in Rhode Island
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round beaches and have to settle for the con of a short beach season
• Time to bid farewell to no income tax and get used to higher state taxes in Rhode Island
• Swap abundant sunshine for more cloudy days

Florida vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich & sumptuous Cuban Sandwich, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Grilled Pizza and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mango Avocado Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Del's Lemonade of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Florida eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Bern's Steak House. 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, Twin Oaks, and Hemenway's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Rhode Island

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and waterfronts, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and waterfronts.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Florida.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Florida.
• Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Florida.
• Rhode Island housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in Rhode Island is 6.44% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• Rhode Island has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Rhode Island.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 8 degrees colder than in Florida.
• The average winter lows in Rhode Island are 28 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Rhode Island

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 18% more than those in Florida
• The COLI in Rhode Island will be 26% higher than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to RI, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.75% to 5.99%
• The affluence in Rhode Island is above average compared to moderate affluence in Florida
• The poverty level is below average in Rhode Island compared to moderate poverty in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is common in Florida and less common in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Rhode Island

• Florida tends to lean mixed, with a slight lean towards conservatism in its political climate
• Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as primarily liberal
• Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant Catholic majority
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity being predominant

How Much Do Florida to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 1,307 miles from Florida to Rhode Island will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.