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New Mexico to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 2,058 mile interstate move from New Mexico to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Mexico vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like arid climate vs mild summers), food & health (like Green Chile vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (pueblo revival vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Green Chile and Carne Adovada, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in New Mexico
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 52.81% more expensive than in New Mexico
  • Moving from New Mexico to Rhode Island will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended New Mexico to Rhode Island movers is JP Moving

New Mexico to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to Rhode Island

ConsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Arid climate
  • Limited coastline
  • Isolation
  • Sparse amenities
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Mild summers
  • Abundant beaches
  • Community vibe
  • Ample attractions

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Higher expenses
  • Smaller state
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Limited desert terrain
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Low cost of living
  • Rich history
  • Sunny days
  • Desert landscape

Pros of moving from New Mexico to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to arid climate and hello to mild summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to Rhode Island with abundant beaches
  • Swap the isolation of New Mexico for the community vibe in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for ample attractions in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from New Mexico to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in New Mexico to live with higher expenses in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle with the con of a smaller state
  • Time to bid farewell to sunny days and get used to unpredictable weather in Rhode Island
  • Swap the desert landscape for limited desert terrain

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

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaStuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodBlue Corn EnchiladasGrilled Vegetable Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • Al Forno
  • Flo's Clam Shack
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
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 Mexico to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Tacos, 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 Blue Corn Enchiladas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grilled Vegetable Pizza of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo Mexican Foods, and Frontier Restaurant. 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, Flo's Clam Shack, and Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode Island
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalColonial and 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 listingViews, open spaceProximity to beaches, historic charm
  • The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference views and open space, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than New Mexico.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than New Mexico.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than New Mexico.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 52.81% more expensive than in New Mexico.

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

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode 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, FloodsBlizzards, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 64Β°F82Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 23Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1450
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2234
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 29% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in New Mexico, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and hurricanes in Rhode Island.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 10 degrees colder than in New Mexico.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in New Mexico.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 36 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$59,726$81,854
Cost of Living Index96.45123.3
State Income Tax4.9%5.99%
Avg. Property Tax0.8%1.3%
Avg. Sales Tax7.8%7%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Tourism, AgricultureHealth Services, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 37% more than in New Mexico
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 28% higher than what you are used to living in New Mexico
  • The state income tax in RI is 5.99% compared to 4.9% in NM
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is high compared to moderate in New Mexico
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to significant in New Mexico
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in New Mexico and low in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode Island
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsHigh engagement in environmental and local community issuesStrong labor union influence and active local governance
ReligionLargely Catholic, with a significant presence of other Christian denominations and Native American religious practicesPrimarily Catholic, but with a notable diversity of faiths including Jewish, Protestant, and other religions
  • New Mexico tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic but with a notable diversity of faiths including Jewish, Protestant, and other religions
  • New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic with a significant presence of other Christian denominations and Native American religious practices

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to Rhode Island

ComparisonNew MexicoRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Eastern New Mexico University
Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGeorgia O’Keeffe Elementary School (Albuquerque)
Double Eagle Elementary School (Albuquerque)
Wood Gormley Elementary School (Santa Fe)
Rockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSidney Gutierrez Middle School (Roswell)
Desert Ridge Middle School (Albuquerque)
Eisenhower Middle School (Albuquerque)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Gallagher Middle School (Smithfield)
Top 3 High School SchoolsLa Cueva High School (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics & Science (Albuquerque)
Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
Top 3 private high schoolsAlbuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Top 3 School DistrictsLos Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Cumberland School District

How Much Do New Mexico to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 2,058 miles from New Mexico to Rhode Island will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,369300 ft3$7.90
1 Bedroom$3,531450 ft3$7.85
2 Bedrooms$5,848750 ft3$7.80
3 Bedrooms$8,5221100 ft3$7.75
4 Bedrooms$12,3161600 ft3$7.70
5+ Bedrooms$13,7651800 ft3$7.65

Top New Mexico to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

Best moving company overall for New Mexico to Rhode Island

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.60/10
FabulousView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
Top New Mexico to Rhode Island Routes

Albuquerque to Rhode Island