Massachusetts to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

ConsMassachusetts

• High housing costs
• Heavy traffic
• Longer winters
• Busy city life

ProsRhode Island

• More affordable housing
• Smoother commutes
• Milder winters
• Relaxed coastal towns

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Rhode Island

• Fewer top universities
• Limited cultural diversity
• Smaller job market
• Less historical significance

Massachusetts

• World-class education
• Rich culture
• Robust job market
• Historical sites

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

• Say goodbye to high housing costs and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Rhode Island with smoother commutes
• Swap the longer winters of Massachusetts for milder winters in Rhode Island
• Get ready for relaxed coastal towns in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from world-class education in Massachusetts to live with fewer top universities in Rhode Island
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich culture and have to settle for the con of limited cultural diversity
• Time to bid farewell to a robust job market and get used to a smaller job market in Rhode Island
• Swap historical sites for less historical significance

Massachusetts vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Boston Baked Beans and sumptuous Lobster Roll, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Johnnycakes and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Lobster Roll they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Steak of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Parker'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 Al Forno, Hemenway’s Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar, and George’s of Galilee.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Rhode Island

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Boston and historical features, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal living and classic charm.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Massachusetts.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• Rhode Island has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• Rhode Island housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in Rhode Island is 18.01% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 4% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• Rhode Island has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible winter storms and floods in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential coastal storms and floods in Rhode Island.
• The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 2 degrees warmer than Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 1.9 more inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Rhode Island

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 13% less than in Massachusetts
• The COLI in Rhode Island is 1% higher than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in RI is 3.75% to 5.99% compared to 5.0% in MA
• The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to low in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Massachusetts and moderate in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Rhode Island

• Massachusetts tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate.
• Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning with long-standing party dominance in the legislature.
• Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as historically one of the most Catholic states while the religiously unaffiliated share has grown.
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse with a sizable historic Catholic population alongside a growing religiously unaffiliated share.

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

How Much Do Massachusetts to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 81 miles from Massachusetts 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.