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New Jersey to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 243 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high property taxes vs lower property taxes), food & health (like Taylor Ham/Pork Roll vs Calamari), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs cottage, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Taylor Ham/Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dogs, but get your taste buds ready for Calamari & Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 15.09% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Rhode Island movers is Big G Movers, INC

New Jersey to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Rhode Island

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High property taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Dense population
  • Expensive cost of living
  • Limited coastal access
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Lower property taxes
  • Less crowded roads
  • Fewer residents
  • More affordable cost of living
  • Beautiful beaches

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less urban sprawl
  • Further from major cities
  • Less frequent events
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Great public transport
  • Diverse restaurant scene
  • Vibrant cities
  • Proximity to NYC and Philly
  • Variety of cultural events

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Rhode Island with less crowded roads
  • Swap the dense population of New Jersey for fewer residents in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for a more affordable cost of living in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great public transport in New Jersey to live with limited public transit in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse restaurant scene and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant cities and get used to less urban sprawl in Rhode Island
  • Swap proximity to NYC and Philly for being further from major cities

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

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemTaylor Ham/Pork RollCalamari
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogsStuffies (Stuffed Clams)
Most popular street food itemSalt Water TaffyDel’s Lemonade
Most popular vegan foodVegan PizzaVegan Lobster Roll
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • Razza Pizza Artigianale
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
  • The Duck and Bunny
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 New Jersey to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Calamari of Rhode Island. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dogs and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Del’s Lemonade to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Lobster Roll of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Razza Pizza Artigianale. 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 The Duck and Bunny.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCottage, Colonial
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 listingProximity to NYC, Large YardsOcean Views, Small-town Charm
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Cottage and Colonial architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and large yards, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and small-town charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than New Jersey.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 15.09% more affordable than in New Jersey.

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

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode 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 DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersHurricanes, Winter storms
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6682/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2537/22
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4750
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2333
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 2% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees colder than in New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 3 more inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$96,346$81,854
Cost of Living Index129.7123.3
State Income Tax1.4 - 10.753.75 - 5.99
Avg. Property Tax2.471.53
Avg. Sales Tax6.6257.0
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Pharmaceuticals, ITHealthcare, Education, Tourism
AffluenceProsperousModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 15% less than in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in RI is 3.75% to 5.99% compared to 1.4% to 10.75% in NJ
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to prosperous in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to low in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode Island
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse, with a mix of urban and suburban influencesCommunity-centric, with maritime and historical influences
ReligionCatholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communitiesPredominantly Catholic, followed by Protestant and other religions
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as predominantly Catholic, followed by Protestant and other religions
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Rhode Island

ComparisonNew JerseyRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
The College of New Jersey
Princeton University
University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLittlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Wandell School (Saddle River)
Moss School (Metuchen)
Rockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Hampden Meadows School (Barrington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThomas R. Grover Middle School (Princeton)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
Briarcliff Middle School (Mountain Lakes)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Top 3 High School SchoolsHigh Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPrinceton Day School (Princeton)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools
Millburn Township School District
Summit Public Schools
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
North Kingstown School District

How Much Do New Jersey to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 243 miles from New Jersey 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,139300 ft3$3.80
1 Bedroom$1,690450 ft3$3.75
2 Bedrooms$2,784750 ft3$3.71
3 Bedrooms$4,0371100 ft3$3.67
4 Bedrooms$5,8041600 ft3$3.63
5+ Bedrooms$6,4531800 ft3$3.58

Top New Jersey to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Rhode Island

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
All Brunswick Moving & Storage featured image

All Brunswick Moving & Storage

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details

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