Movers

New Hampshire to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 139 mile interstate move from New Hampshire to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Hampshire vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Apple Cider Donuts vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Hampshire), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Apple Cider Donuts and Maple Glazed Ham, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in New Hampshire
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 5.79% more expensive than in New Hampshire
  • Moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended New Hampshire to Rhode Island movers is Fit 2 Move

New Hampshire to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island

ConsNew Hampshire iconNew Hampshire
  • Long winters
  • Limited coastline
  • Rural lifestyle
  • High property taxes
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder winters
  • Scenic beaches
  • Urban amenities
  • Lower property taxes

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller state
  • Limited public transportation
  • Smaller job market
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire
  • Quaint towns
  • Natural beauty
  • Low crime rates
  • Rich history

Pros of moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to long winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to Rhode Island with scenic beaches
  • Swap the rural lifestyle of New Hampshire for urban amenities in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from quaint towns in New Hampshire to live with a higher cost of living in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle with the con of a smaller state
  • Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to limited public transportation in Rhode Island
  • Swap rich history for a smaller job market

New Hampshire vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemApple Cider DonutsClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishMaple Glazed HamStuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
Most popular street food itemLobster RollsHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • The Old Salt Restaurant
    • Woodstock Inn Brewery
    • Common Man
    • Al Forno
    • Los Andes
    • Olneyville New York System
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Apple Cider Donuts of New Hampshire for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in New Hampshire rave about their flavorful Maple Glazed Ham and sumptuous Lobster Rolls, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble 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 New Hampshire eateries like The Old Salt Restaurant, Woodstock Inn Brewery, and Common Man. 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, Los Andes, and Olneyville New York System.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Hampshire and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial, Victorian
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 listingQuiet neighborhoods, Natural landscapesCoastal access, Historic sites
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that New Hampshire is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to New Hampshire's real estate listings that commonly reference quiet neighborhoods and natural landscapes, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal access and historic sites.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than New Hampshire.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than New Hampshire.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than New Hampshire.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 3% less expensive than they are in New Hampshire, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to New Hampshire’s $465,926.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 68% increase in New Hampshire.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 5.79% more expensive than in New Hampshire.

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

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode 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, floodsHurricanes, floods
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 55Β°F82Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°F / 15Β°F37Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60"33"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from New Hampshire to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 1% more sunshine days than New Hampshire.
  • Rhode Island has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to New Hampshire.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in New Hampshire, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 2 degrees warmer than in New Hampshire.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in New Hampshire.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 3 more inches of rain compared to New Hampshire.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Hampshire and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$89,992$81,854
Cost of Living Index116.8123.3
State Income Tax03.75 - 5.99
Avg. Property Tax2.201.66
Avg. Sales Tax07.00
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, RetailHealth Care, Education, Tourism
AffluenceProsperousModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 9% less than those in New Hampshire
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in New Hampshire
  • Bummer... By moving from NH to RI, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.75% to 5.99%
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to prosperous in New Hampshire
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to low in New Hampshire
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in New Hampshire and moderate in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in New Hampshire vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode Island
Political Make-upModerately conservative/Libertarian-leaningLargely liberal
Local PoliticsLocal government plays a significant role, with town meetings being a key feature.State government has a stronger influence on local affairs, with less emphasis on town meetings.
ReligionProtestant and Catholic presence, with a notable non-religious segment.Primarily Catholic, with the highest percentage of Catholics in the U.S.
  • New Hampshire tends to lean moderately conservative and libertarian-leaning in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as largely liberal
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic, with the highest percentage of Catholics in the U.S.
  • New Hampshire's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic, with a notable non-religious segment

Education Guide When Moving from New Hampshire to Rhode Island

ComparisonNew HampshireRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Hampshire
Dartmouth College
Southern New Hampshire University
Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMatthew Thornton Elementary (Londonderry)
Main Dunstable Elementary (Nashua)
Maude H. Trefethen School (New Castle)
Rockwell Elementary (Bristol)
Community Elementary (Cumberland)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmherst Middle School (Amherst)
Hollis Brookline Middle School (Hollis)
Portsmouth Middle School (Portsmouth)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademy for Science and Design (Nashua)
Bedford High School (Bedford)
Hanover High School (Hanover)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Exeter Academy (Exeter)
St. Paul's School (Concord)
Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPortsmouth Christian Academy (Dover)
The Derryfield School (Manchester)
The Birchtree Center (Newington)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Top 3 School DistrictsBedford School District
Windham School District
Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District
Barrington School District
East Greenwich School District
Newport School District

How Much Do New Hampshire to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 139 miles from New Hampshire 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.

  • Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: First-Rate Moving, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,089300 ft3$3.63
1 Bedroom$1,615450 ft3$3.59
2 Bedrooms$2,659750 ft3$3.55
3 Bedrooms$3,8531100 ft3$3.50
4 Bedrooms$5,5361600 ft3$3.46
5+ Bedrooms$6,1521800 ft3$3.42

Top New Hampshire to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Fit 2 Move featured image

Fit 2 Move

Best moving company overall for New Hampshire to Rhode Island

9.28/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bridges Bros Movers featured image

Bridges Bros Movers

8.99/10
ALSO GREAT
First-Rate Moving, LLC featured image

First-Rate Moving, LLC

8.95/10
Top New Hampshire to Rhode Island Routes

Manchester to Rhode Island