North Carolina to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Updated June 19, 2025

Planning a 674 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs milder climate), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman 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 Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) & Clam Cakes
- Rhode Island housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
- Rent in Rhode Island is 20.17% more expensive than in North Carolina
- Moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended North Carolina to Rhode Island movers is Just Move It, LLC
North Carolina to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island
- Hurricane risk
- High humidity
- Traffic congestion
- Limited seafood
- Warmer winters
- Milder climate
- Coastal breezes
- Simpler commute
- Fresh seafood
- Charming snowy towns
- Higher cost of living
- Smaller state
- Fewer historical landmarks
- Northeastern pace
- Chillier beaches
- Affordable living
- Diverse landscapes
- Rich history
- Friendly communities
- Warm beaches
Pros of moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Rhode Island with coastal breezes
- Swap the traffic congestion of North Carolina for a simpler commute in Rhode Island
- Get ready for fresh seafood in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living in North Carolina to live with a higher cost of living in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of diverse landscapes and have to settle for the con of a smaller state
- Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical landmarks in Rhode Island
- Swap friendly communities for a northeastern pace
North Carolina vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern NC Barbecue | Clam Cakes |
Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Coffee Milk |
Most popular vegan food | Smoked Vegetable Plate | Vegan Deli Sandwiches |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Clam Cakes and Coffee Milk to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Smoked Vegetable Plate they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deli Sandwiches of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like 12 Bones Smokehouse, Lexington Barbecue, and Bida Manda. 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, and Los Andes.
When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Rhode Island compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Rhode Island
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Colonial, Cottage |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large backyards, garages | Close to beaches, historic details |
- The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
- Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and garages, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and historic details.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than North Carolina.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
- Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
- Rhode Island housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to North Carolinaβs $329,225.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased 55% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
- Rent in Rhode Island is 20.17% more expensive than in North Carolina.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Rhode Island
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Storms | Nor'easters, Winter Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87Β°F / 66Β°F | 82Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 40Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 47" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5" | 34" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 5% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
- Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters and winter storms in Rhode Island.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 5 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
- The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Rhode Island
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $81,854 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 123.3 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 3.75% - 5.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85% | 1.66% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.98% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Agriculture | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 21% more than those in North Carolina
- The COLI in Rhode Island is 29% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
- The state income tax in RI is 3.75% - 5.99% compared to 5.25% in NC
- The affluence in Rhode Island is high compared to moderate in North Carolina
- The poverty level is low in Rhode Island compared to moderate in North Carolina
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and moderate in Rhode Island
Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Rhode Island
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | Mixed, with Republican and Democratic strongholds | Strongly Democratic |
Religion | Christian majority, notably Baptist and Methodist | Catholic majority |
- North Carolina tends to lean moderately Conservative in its political climate
- Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal
- Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as a Catholic majority
- North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian majority, notably Baptist and Methodist
Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island
Comparison | North Carolina | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke University | University of Rhode Island Brown University Rhode Island School of Design |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Endhaven Elementary School (Charlotte) Davis Drive Elementary School (Cary) Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville) | Rockwell Elementary School (Bristol) Nayatt School (Barrington) Community School (Cumberland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Jayne Ellen Stokes Elementary (Charlotte) Carnage Middle School (Raleigh) Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill) | Barrington Middle School (Barrington) Gallagher Middle School (Smithfield) Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Green Hope High School (Cary) Myers Park High School (Charlotte) Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte) | Classical High School (Providence) Barrington High School (Barrington) East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich) |
Top 3 private high schools | Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) Durham Academy (Durham) Ravenscroft School (Raleigh) | Moses Brown School (Providence) Wheeler School (Providence) St. George's School (Middletown) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Cary Academy (Cary) Providence Day School (Charlotte) | Lincoln School (Providence) The Gordon School (East Providence) Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich) |
Top 3 School Districts | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | Barrington School District East Greenwich Public Schools Jamestown School Department |
How Much Do North Carolina to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
Moving 674 miles from North Carolina to Rhode Island will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,347 | 300 ft3 | $4.49 |
1 Bedroom | $2,001 | 450 ft3 | $4.45 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,304 | 750 ft3 | $4.40 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,798 | 1100 ft3 | $4.36 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,911 | 1600 ft3 | $4.32 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,699 | 1800 ft3 | $4.28 |
Top North Carolina to Rhode Island Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Just Move It, LLC
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Rhode Island