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Pennsylvania to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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Planning a 361 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Stuffies), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch colonial vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Stuffies & Clam Cakes
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 40.28% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Rhode Island movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited coastline
  • Industrial areas
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Urban amenities
  • Stunning beaches
  • Picturesque landscapes

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller state
  • Limited public transport
  • Higher property prices
  • Limited rural areas
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Nature parks
  • Diverse culture
  • Affordable housing
  • Family-friendly areas

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Rhode Island with lower taxes
  • Swap the rural isolation of Pennsylvania for urban amenities in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for stunning beaches in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with a higher cost of living in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of nature parks and have to settle with the con of a smaller state
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to limited public transport in Rhode Island
  • Swap affordable housing for higher property prices

Pennsylvania vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakStuffies
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautClam Cakes
Most popular street food itemPretzelsHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SoupSeaweed Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zahav
  • Morimoto
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Al Forno
  • The White Horse Tavern
  • Los Andes
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 Pennsylvania to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Stuffies of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Clam Cakes and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seaweed Salad of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Zahav, Morimoto, and Reading Terminal Market. 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, The White Horse Tavern, and Los Andes.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Dutch ColonialColonial, 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 listingSpacious backyards, historic detailCoastal views, proximity to amenities
  • The Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and historic detail, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal views and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Rhode Island is more walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased 55% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 40.28% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode 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, Nor'easters
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6282/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2039/22
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4247
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3833
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 13% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees colder than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$71,798$81,854
Cost of Living Index99.7123.3
State Income Tax3.07%3.75% - 5.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%1.24%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agribusiness, EnergyHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateRelative
PovertyManageableModerate
HomelessnessLowNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 14% more than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 24% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in RI is 3.75% - 5.99% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is relative compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to manageable in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and noticeable in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
Political Make-upSwing state, with mix of Democratic and Republican supportStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixture of urban Democratic areas and rural Republican regionsLargely Democratic across urban and rural areas
ReligionChristian majority, with diverse religious communitiesLargely Catholic, with diverse religious communities
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican support in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as largely Catholic, with diverse religious communities
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

ComparisonPennsylvaniaRhode Island
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pittsburgh
Temple University
Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMarshall Elementary School (Wexford)
Hillside Elementary School (Berwyn)
Bradford Heights Elementary School (Downingtown)
Rockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaverford Middle School (Havertown)
Radnor Middle School (Wayne)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Archie R. Cole Middle School (East Greenwich)
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFriends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Barrington School District
East Greenwich Public Schools
Cumberland School District

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 361 miles from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,196300 ft3$3.99
1 Bedroom$1,775450 ft3$3.94
2 Bedrooms$2,926750 ft3$3.90
3 Bedrooms$4,2451100 ft3$3.86
4 Bedrooms$6,1071600 ft3$3.82
5+ Bedrooms$6,7941800 ft3$3.77

Top Pennsylvania to Rhode Island Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Philadelphia to Rhode Island

Pittsburgh to Rhode Island