Pennsylvania to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

ConsPennsylvania

• No ocean beaches
• Expensive turnpike tolls
• State-run liquor stores
• Longer drives statewide
• Industrial air pollution
• Humid summer heat
• Inland snowier winters
• Limited fresh seafood
• City wage taxes
• Far from Boston
• Fewer ferry options
• Expensive city parking

ProsRhode Island

• Atlantic beaches
• Few passenger tolls
• Private liquor stores
• Shorter drive times
• Cleaner coastal air
• Ocean-cooled summers
• Milder coastal winters
• Fresh local seafood
• No local income tax
• Close to Boston
• Island ferry access
• Easier small city parking

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Rhode Island

• Higher income tax
• Higher sales tax
• Higher housing costs
• Clothing sales taxed
• Costlier electricity
• Smaller job market
• Fewer direct flights
• Higher car insurance
• Estate tax applies
• Smaller lot sizes

Pennsylvania

• Lower income tax
• Lower sales tax
• Cheaper housing costs
• No tax on clothing
• Cheaper electricity
• Larger job market
• More flight options
• Lower car insurance
• No estate tax
• Bigger house lots

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

• Say goodbye to no ocean beaches and hello to Atlantic beaches
• Look forward to moving away from expensive turnpike tolls and moving to Rhode Island with few passenger tolls
• Swap the state-run liquor stores of Pennsylvania for private liquor stores in Rhode Island
• Get ready for shorter drive times in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower income tax in Pennsylvania to live with higher income tax in Rhode Island
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower sales tax and have to settle with the con of higher sales tax
• Time to bid farewell to cheaper housing costs and get used to higher housing costs in Rhode Island
• Swap no tax on clothing for clothing sales tax

Pennsylvania vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.