MT to RI Moving Specialists

Montana to Rhode Island Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 2,270 mile interstate move from Montana to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Buffalo steak vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (ranch, log cabin 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 Buffalo steak and Beef bison burger, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (stuffed clams)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 47.70% more expensive than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to Rhode Island will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Montana to Rhode Island movers is Moving On Up
Montana to Rhode Island featured image

Top Montana to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

Best moving company overall for Montana to Rhode Island

8.79/10
Superb
RUNNER-UP
On The Move LLC featured image

On The Move LLC

8.54/10
Fabulous
ALSO GREAT
A Team Moving and Storage featured image

A Team Moving and Storage

8.29/10
Very Good

Montana to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Rhode Island

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited cultural events
  • Long travel distances
  • Fewer dining options
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder climate
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Close-knit communities
  • Varied cuisine

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Higher living costs
  • Dense population
  • Fast-paced urban life
  • Heavy traffic
Montana iconMontana
  • Amazing landscapes
  • Wide open spaces
  • Peaceful lifestyle
  • Lower traffic congestion

Pros of moving from Montana to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited cultural events and moving to Rhode Island with a rich cultural scene
  • Swap the long travel distances of Montana for close-knit communities in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for varied cuisine in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Montana to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from amazing landscapes in Montana to live with higher living costs in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of wide open spaces and have to settle for the con of a dense population
  • Time to bid farewell to a peaceful lifestyle and get used to a fast-paced urban life in Rhode Island
  • Swap lower traffic congestion for heavy traffic

Montana vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemBuffalo steakClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishBeef bison burgerStuffies (stuffed clams)
Most popular street food itemWild game sausagesHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodHuckleberry pieDel's Lemonade
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ciao Mambo
  • The Uptown Diner
  • Bozeman Sacajawea Cafe
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 Montana to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Buffalo steak of Montana for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Beef bison burger and sumptuous Wild game sausages, 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 Huckleberry pie 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 Montana eateries like Ciao Mambo, The Uptown Diner, and Bozeman Sacajawea Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Florence Grille, Olneyville New York System, and The Lobster Pot.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Rhode Island

ComparisonMontanaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Log CabinColonial, 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 listingScenic Views, Large LotsOcean Access, Proximity to Amenities
  • The Ranch and Log Cabin architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and large lots, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like ocean access and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 47.70% more expensive than in Montana.

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

ComparisonMontanaRhode 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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsHurricanes, Winter Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 45Β°F82Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 12Β°F37Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)90"35"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 2 degrees warmer than in Montana.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 35 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Rhode Island

ComparisonMontanaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$67,631$81,854
Cost of Living Index99.4123.3
State Income Tax6.9%5.99%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax0%7%
Top 3 IndustriesMining, Agriculture, TourismHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 21% more than those in Montana
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 24% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in RI is 5.99% compared to 6.9% in MT
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is high compared to moderate in Montana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to low in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and moderate in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonMontanaRhode Island
Political Make-upGenerally conservative; electorate leans Republican in statewide and federal races, with a notable independent/libertarian streak.Solidly Democratic; electorate leans liberal in statewide and federal races, with a large Democratic registration advantage.
Local PoliticsState legislature is typically Republican-controlled; many municipal races are nonpartisan. College towns (e.g., Missoula, Bozeman) tend to vote more Democratic, while rural areas lean conservative.State government is dominated by Democrats; many local dynamics are decided in Democratic primaries. Cities like Providence are strongly Democratic; some suburbs vary from moderate to liberal.
ReligionChristian majority with a Protestant plurality (evangelical and mainline); sizable religiously unaffiliated population; Catholic minority; Indigenous spiritual traditions and small LDS presence.Catholic plurality (among the highest by share in the U.S.); growing religiously unaffiliated population; smaller Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith communities.
  • Montana tends to lean generally conservative and its electorate leans Republican in statewide and federal races with a notable independent/libertarian streak in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as solidly Democratic and its electorate leans liberal in statewide and federal races with a large Democratic registration advantage
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as a Catholic plurality among the highest by share in the U.S. and a growing religiously unaffiliated population with smaller Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith communities
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a Protestant plurality including evangelical and mainline, a sizable religiously unaffiliated population, a Catholic minority, Indigenous spiritual traditions, and a small LDS presence

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Rhode Island

ComparisonMontanaRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Montana
Missoula
Montana State University
Bozeman
Carroll College
Helena
University of Rhode Island
Kingston
Rhode Island College
Providence
Brown University
Providence
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHawthorne Elementary
Bozeman
Monforton School
Bozeman
Longfellow School
Bozeman
Rockwell Elementary School
Bristol
Greenwood Elementary School
Warwick
Community School
Cumberland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMeadow Hill Middle School
Missoula
Missoula International School
Missoula
Kalispell Middle School
Kalispell
Barrington Middle School
Barrington
Wilbur & McMahon Schools
Little Compton
Scituate Middle School
North Scituate
Top 3 High School SchoolsBozeman High School
Bozeman
Hellgate High School
Missoula
Sentinel High School
Missoula
East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
Barrington High School
Barrington
The Met High School
Providence
Top 3 private high schoolsLoyola Sacred Heart High School
Missoula
Billings Central Catholic High School
Billings
Great Falls Central
Great Falls
The Wheeler School
Providence
St. George's School
Middletown
Providence Country Day School
East Providence
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFoothills Community Christian
Great Falls
Billings Christian School
Billings
Faith Chapel
Billings
Moses Brown School
Providence
The Lincoln School
Providence
St. Andrew's School
Barrington
Top 3 School DistrictsBozeman Public Schools
Bozeman
Missoula County Public Schools
Missoula
Billings Public Schools
Billings
Barrington Public Schools
Barrington
East Greenwich Schools
East Greenwich
Portsmouth School Department
Portsmouth

How Much Do Montana to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 2,270 miles from Montana to Rhode Island will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Two Men and a Truck
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,489300 ft3$8.30
1 Bedroom$3,712450 ft3$8.25
2 Bedrooms$6,149750 ft3$8.20
3 Bedrooms$8,9631100 ft3$8.15
4 Bedrooms$12,9571600 ft3$8.10
5+ Bedrooms$14,4861800 ft3$8.05
Top Montana to Rhode Island Routes

Billings to Rhode Island