MI to RI Moving Specialists

Michigan to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 889 mile interstate move from Michigan to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Pasty vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasty and Coney Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 88% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 43.50% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Rhode Island movers is Pro-Low Moving
Michigan to Rhode Island featured image

Top Michigan to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Rhode Island

9.69/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.08/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Kingsley Moving Systems featured image

Kingsley Moving Systems

8.99/10
Superb

Michigan to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Rhode Island

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Economic decline
  • Limited coastline
  • Urban sprawl
  • Traffic congestion
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder climate
  • Stable job market
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Compact cities
  • Less traffic

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Fewer cultural options
  • Less industrial diversity
  • No large lakes
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Low cost of living
  • Spacious living areas
  • Diverse cultural events
  • Rich automotive history
  • Great lakes

Pros of moving from Michigan to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from economic decline and moving to Rhode Island with a stable job market
  • Swap the limited coastline of Michigan for beautiful beaches in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for compact cities in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Michigan to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Michigan to live with a high cost of living in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of spacious living areas and have to settle for the con of smaller living spaces
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse cultural events and get used to fewer cultural options in Rhode Island
  • Swap rich automotive history for less industrial diversity

Michigan vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemPastyClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishConey DogStuffies (Stuffed Clams)
Most popular street food itemDetroit-Style PizzaHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodTraverse City Cherry SaladSeitan Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • The Mitten Bar
  • Selden Standard
  • Al Forno
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • Plant City
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 Michigan to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Pasty of Michigan for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Detroit-Style Pizza, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Traverse City Cherry Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Sandwich of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, The Mitten Bar, and Selden Standard. 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 Plant City.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Rhode Island

ComparisonMichiganRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Cottage
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 listingLake access, Spacious yardsCoastal views, Historic properties
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious yards, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal views and historic properties.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Michigan.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 88% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased 55% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 43.50% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganRhode 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, TornadoesHurricanes, Coastal Storms
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79/5882/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1837/23
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.847.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.6633.8
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 19% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Rhode Island has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and coastal storms in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 15.1 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Rhode Island

ComparisonMichiganRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$66,986$81,854
Cost of Living Index91.2123.3
State Income Tax4.25%3.75% - 5.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.45%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Manufacturing, TechnologyHealthcare, Education, Tourism
AffluenceModerateAffluent
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessManageablePresent
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 22% more than in Michigan
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 35% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in RI is 3.75% - 5.99% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is affluent compared to moderate in Michigan
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to noticeable in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Michigan and present in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonMichiganRhode Island
Political Make-upHighly competitive swing state. Recent cycles feature Democrats holding most statewide offices and narrow legislative majorities, with urban/suburban areas leaning Democratic and many rural regions Republican. Congressional delegation closely divided.Reliably Democratic. Democrats hold all federal seats and dominate statewide offices and the legislature, with consistent Democratic performance in national elections.
Local PoliticsHome-rule cities, counties, and townships. Urban centers (e.g., Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing) are strongly Democratic; many rural areas are conservative; several suburbs are competitive and trending Democratic. Ballot initiatives are common; labor, manufacturing, Great Lakes stewardship, and infrastructure are frequent priorities.Municipal politics are largely Democratic, with occasional competitive races in some suburbs. Strong presence of organized labor and public-sector unions. Home-rule charters with mayor-council or council-manager systems are common; coastal management, housing, and small-business regulation are frequent local issues.
ReligionReligious landscape includes sizable Protestant (evangelical and mainline) and Catholic communities, a notable Muslim population (especially in Metro Detroit), Jewish communities in Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor, and a substantial religiously unaffiliated segment.One of the most heavily Catholic states. Smaller Protestant share, meaningful religiously unaffiliated population, and smaller Jewish and Muslim communities primarily in the Providence metro.
  • Michigan tends to lean highly competitive as a swing state. Recent cycles feature Democrats holding most statewide offices and narrow legislative majorities, with urban and suburban areas leaning Democratic and many rural regions Republican. The congressional delegation is closely divided in its political climate.
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Democratic. Democrats hold all federal seats and dominate statewide offices and the legislature, with consistent Democratic performance in national elections.
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as one of the most heavily Catholic states. It has a smaller Protestant share, a meaningful religiously unaffiliated population, and smaller Jewish and Muslim communities primarily in the Providence metro.
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a religious landscape that includes sizable Protestant (evangelical and mainline) and Catholic communities, a notable Muslim population (especially in Metro Detroit), Jewish communities in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, and a substantial religiously unaffiliated segment.

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Rhode Island

ComparisonMichiganRhode Island
Where Most Seniors Go to College (Top 3)University of Michigan
Ann Arbor; Michigan State University
East Lansing; Wayne State University
Detroit
University of Rhode Island
Kingston; Providence College
Providence; Brown University
Providence
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOkemos Public Montessori School
Okemos; Ann Arbor Open School
Ann Arbor; A2 STEAM at Northside School
Ann Arbor
The Learning Community Charter School
Central Falls; Lincoln Elementary School
Lincoln; Barrington Middle School
Barrington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBoulan Park Middle School
Troy; Slauson Middle School
Ann Arbor; Tappan Middle School
Ann Arbor
Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown; Barrington Middle School
Barrington; Cole Middle School
East Greenwich
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy
Bloomfield Hills; Troy High School
Troy; West Michigan Aviation Academy
Grand Rapids
Barrington High School
Barrington; Classical High School
Providence; East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
Top 3 Private High SchoolsCranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor
St. George's School
Middletown; The Wheeler School
Providence; Portsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth
Top 3 Private K-12 SchoolsDetroi Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor; Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen
The Wheeler School
Providence; Rocky Hill Country Day School
East Greenwich; Moses Brown School
Providence
Top 3 School DistrictsBloomfield Hills Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Troy School District
Troy; Ann Arbor Public Schools
Ann Arbor
Barrington Public Schools
Barrington; East Greenwich Public Schools
East Greenwich; South Kingstown School District
South Kingstown

How Much Do Michigan to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 889 miles from Michigan 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6.5-15.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,706300 ft3$5.69
1 Bedroom$2,537450 ft3$5.64
2 Bedrooms$4,191750 ft3$5.59
3 Bedrooms$6,0921100 ft3$5.54
4 Bedrooms$8,7811600 ft3$5.49
5+ Bedrooms$9,7891800 ft3$5.44
Top Michigan to Rhode Island Routes

Detroit to Rhode Island

Grand Rapids to Rhode Island