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Rhode Island to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 1,229 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (colonial vs antebellum), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Grilled Portuguese Sausages, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Pulled Pork
  • Alabama housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Alabama is 29.18% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Alabama movers is MoveDaddy

Rhode Island to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Alabama

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Limited land
  • Heavy traffic
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • More space
  • More outdoor activities
  • Less congestion

Alabama iconAlabama
  • No ocean nearby
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less diversity
  • Limited food variety
  • Fewer top-ranking schools
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Ocean access
  • Historic sites
  • Cultural diversity
  • International cuisine
  • Educational institutions

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Alabama with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the dense population of Rhode Island for more space in Alabama
  • Get ready for more outdoor activities in Alabama

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from ocean access in Rhode Island to live with no ocean nearby in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historic sites and have to settle for the con of fewer landmarks
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less diversity in Alabama
  • Swap international cuisine for a limited food variety

Rhode Island vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Barbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishGrilled Portuguese SausagesPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemClam CakesSouthern Fried Catfish
Most popular vegan foodVegetable PrimaveraBlack-Eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Saw's BBQ
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
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 Rhode Island to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Alabama. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Portuguese Sausages and sumptuous Clam Cakes, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Southern Fried Catfish to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Primavera they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-Eyed Pea Hummus of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The White Horse Tavern, and Hemenway's. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Saw's BBQ, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Alabama

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleColonialAntebellum
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 WaterLarge Yards and Space
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum architecture typical of Alabama.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alabama is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alabama is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Alabama housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Alabama is 29.18% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
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 DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F90Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 25Β°F57Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"56"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"2"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Alabama. Alabama gets 5% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 8 degrees warmer than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows in Alabama are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Alabama

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
Avg. Household Income$81,854$59,674
Cost of Living Index123.391.2
State Income Tax3.75 - 5.99%2 - 5%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.40%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingManufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 27% less than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in AL is 2 - 5% compared to 3.75 - 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Alabama is modest compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in Alabama compared to low poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Alabama

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive valuesConservative values
ReligionCatholic majorityProtestant majority
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as Protestant majority
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic majority

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Alabama

ComparisonRhode IslandAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Barrington; Nayatt School
Barrington; Community School
Cumberland
Mountain Brook Elementary
Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills Elementary West
Vestavia Hills; Creek View Elementary School
Alabaster
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School
Barrington; Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown; Gallagher Middle School
Smithfield
Mountain Brook Junior High
Mountain Brook; Liberty Park Middle School
Vestavia Hills; Berry Middle School
Hoover
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School
Providence; Barrington High School
Barrington; East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Montgomery; Mountain Brook High School
Mountain Brook; Bob Jones High School
Madison
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School
Providence; Wheeler School
Providence; St. George's School
Middletown
The Altamont School
Birmingham; Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School
Providence; Rocky Hill Country Day School
East Greenwich; The Wheeler School
Providence
Indian Springs School
Indian Springs; The Altamont School
Birmingham; Randolph School
Huntsville
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools; East Greenwich Public Schools; Cumberland School DistrictMountain Brook City Schools; Vestavia Hills City Schools; Madison City Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,229 miles from Rhode Island to Alabama will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 16-24 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Latitude Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,899300 ft3$6.33
1 Bedroom$2,826450 ft3$6.28
2 Bedrooms$4,673750 ft3$6.23
3 Bedrooms$6,7991100 ft3$6.18
4 Bedrooms$9,8091600 ft3$6.13
5+ Bedrooms$10,9451800 ft3$6.08

Top Rhode Island to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Alabama

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
Top Rhode Island to Alabama Routes

Providence to Alabama