Movers

New York to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 247 mile interstate move from New York to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in New York vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like New York-style Pizza vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial, modern vs colonial, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to New York-style Pizza and Beef Pastrami Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in New York
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 16.69% more affordable than in New York
  • Moving from New York to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended New York to Rhode Island movers is JP Urban Moving

New York to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Rhode Island

ConsNew York iconNew York
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Lack of beach access
  • Overcrowded housing
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic stress
  • Proximity to beaches
  • More spacious living

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • Quieter evenings
  • Limited transit options
  • Fewer gourmet restaurants
New York iconNew York
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Excellent public transport
  • World-class dining

Pros of moving from New York to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Rhode Island with less traffic stress
  • Swap the lack of beach access in New York for proximity to beaches in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for more spacious living in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from New York to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural scene in New York to live with limited cultural diversity in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter evenings
  • Time to bid farewell to excellent public transport and get used to limited transit options in Rhode Island
  • Swap world-class dining for fewer gourmet restaurants

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

ComparisonNew YorkRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemNew York-style PizzaClam Cakes
Most popular meat dishBeef Pastrami SandwichStuffies (Stuffed Clams)
Most popular street food itemHot DogsDel’s Lemonade
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Le Bernardin
  • The Spotted Pig
  • Al Forno
  • Olneyville New York System
  • The White Horse Tavern
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 York to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic New York-style pizza of New York for the equally delicious clam cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful beef pastrami sandwiches and sumptuous hot dogs, 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 avocado toast 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 York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Le Bernardin, and The Spotted Pig. 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, Olneyville New York System, and The White Horse Tavern.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew YorkRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, ModernColonial, 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 listingProximity to amenities, luxury finishesWaterfront views, historic charm
  • The Colonial and Modern architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to amenities and luxury finishes, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront views and historic charm.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Rhode Island is less walkable than New York.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Rhode Island is less bike-friendly than New York.
  • Rhode Island has less of an urban feel than New York.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to New York’s $460,812.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 16.69% more affordable than in New York.

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

ComparisonNew YorkRhode 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, BlizzardsHurricanes, Winter storms
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/66Β°F82Β°F/63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)38Β°F/26Β°F40Β°F/25Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.9"47.5"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)25.8"33.8"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 6% fewer sunshine days than New York.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to New York.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, 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 York.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in New York.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 2.4 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Rhode Island

ComparisonNew YorkRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$79,557$81,854
Cost of Living Index102.8123.3
State Income Tax4% - 8.82%3.75% - 5.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.71%1.42%
Avg. Sales Tax4% - 8.875%7%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, RetailHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHigherLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 3% more than in New York
  • The COLI in Rhode Island is 20% higher than what you are used to living in New York
  • The state income tax in RI is 3.75% to 5.99% compared to 4% to 8.82% in NY
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to high in New York
  • The poverty level is low in Rhode Island compared to moderate in New York
  • In terms of homelessness, it is higher in New York and lower in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonNew YorkRhode Island
Political Make-upPredominantly DemocratMostly Democrat
Local PoliticsUrban-focused policiesCommunity-driven initiatives
ReligionReligiously diverseCatholic majority
  • New York tends to lean predominantly Democrat in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as mostly Democrat
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as a Catholic majority
  • New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Rhode Island

ComparisonNew YorkRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)New York University
City University of New York
Columbia University
Brown University
Rhode Island School of Design
University of Rhode Island
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsP.S. 77 Lower Lab School - New York
Success Academy Charter School-Bronx 1 - Bronx
Anderson School (P.S. 334) - New York
Rockwell Elementary School - Bristol
Nayatt School - Barrington
Community School - Cumberland
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEast Side Middle School (M.S. 114) - New York
New Explorations into Science
Tech and Math High School - New York
I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School - Brooklyn
Barrington Middle School - Barrington
Moses Brown School - Providence
Lincoln School - Providence
Top 3 High SchoolsStuyvesant High School - New York
Bronx High School of Science - Bronx
Brooklyn Technical High School - Brooklyn
Classical High School - Providence
Barrington High School - Barrington
East Greenwich High School - East Greenwich
Top 3 private high schoolsHorace Mann School - Bronx
Trinity School - New York
Dalton School - New York
Moses Brown School - Providence
St. George's School - Middletown
Wheeler School - Providence
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCollegiate School - New York
Brearley School - New York
Chapin School - New York
Moses Brown School - Providence
Wheeler School - Providence
Lincoln School - Providence
Top 3 School DistrictsGreat Neck Public Schools
Jericho Union Free School District
Syosset Central School District
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
North Kingstown School District

How Much Do New York to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 247 miles from New York 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,141300 ft3$3.80
1 Bedroom$1,693450 ft3$3.76
2 Bedrooms$2,789750 ft3$3.72
3 Bedrooms$4,0441100 ft3$3.68
4 Bedrooms$5,8141600 ft3$3.63
5+ Bedrooms$6,4641800 ft3$3.59

Top New York to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Urban Moving featured image

JP Urban Moving

Best moving company overall for New York to Rhode Island

9.85/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metropolis Moving featured image

Metropolis Moving

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Flex Moving and Storage featured image

Flex Moving and Storage

9.70/10
ExceptionalView details
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