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Rhode Island to Arizona Moving Guide

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Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 2,485 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Chimichanga), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs pueblo, ranch), 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 Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Arizona is 8.06% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Arizona will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Rhode Island to Arizona featured image

Top Rhode Island to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Arizona

9.76/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
AAA Soto's Moving featured image

AAA Soto's Moving

9.48/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.27/10
Very Good

Rhode Island to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Arizona

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Limited land space
  • Dense population
  • Foggy coastline
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Expansive landscapes
  • Spread-out communities
  • Sunny skies

Arizona iconArizona
  • No ocean access
  • Lacks rich history
  • Hot desert climate
  • Limited seafood options
  • More transient population
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Historical charm
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Coastal seafood
  • Close communities

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Arizona with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the limited land space of Rhode Island for expansive landscapes in Arizona
  • Get ready for spread-out communities in Arizona

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastlines in Rhode Island to live with no ocean access in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical charm and have to settle with the con of lacking rich history
  • Time to bid farewell to four distinct seasons and get used to the hot desert climate in Arizona
  • Swap coastal seafood for limited seafood options

Rhode Island vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Chimichanga
Most popular meat dishGrilled PizzaCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot WienersTacos
Most popular vegan foodDel's LemonadeJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Iggy's Doughboys
  • The Mooring
  • Elote CafΓ©
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • Durant's
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 Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Pizza and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Del's Lemonade they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Iggy's Doughboys, and The Mooring. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Elote CafΓ©, Pizzeria Bianco, and Durant's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Arizona

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianPueblo, Ranch
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 listingWaterfront, Historic charmMountain views, Energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and historic charm, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Arizona is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike as Arizona is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Arizona has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Arizona housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased 63% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Arizona is 8.06% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
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 DisastersNor'easters, BlizzardsHeatwaves, Dust Storms
Air QualityGoodVaries (Good to Moderate)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4713
Annual Snowfall (Inches)330.3
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Arizona. Arizona gets 48% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 22 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 26 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 34 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Arizona

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
Avg. Household Income$81,854$74,568
Cost of Living Index123.3101.2
State Income Tax3.75% to 5.99%2.59% to 4.50%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.66%
Avg. Sales Tax7%8.4%
Top 3 IndustriesHealth Care, Education, Financial ServicesReal Estate, Manufacturing, Financial Services
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowVaried
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 9% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 18% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% to 4.50% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and varied in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Arizona

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
Political Make-upMostly DemocraticMixed, with recent trends towards Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areasConservative in rural, liberal in urban
ReligionPrimarily Roman CatholicChristianity diverse; substantial Mormon population
  • Rhode Island tends to lean mostly Democratic in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with recent trends towards Democratic
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as a diverse Christianity with a substantial Mormon population
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Roman Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Arizona

ComparisonRhode IslandArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of Rhode Island
Kingston
2. Brown University
Providence
3. Providence College
Providence
1. Arizona State University
Tempe
2. University of Arizona
Tucson
3. Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Nayatt School
Barrington
2. Melrose School
Jamestown
3. Frenchtown School
East Greenwich
1. BASIS Scottsdale Primary
Scottsdale
2. Great Hearts Academies - Archway Chandler
Chandler
3. Desert Willow Elementary School
Cave Creek
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Barrington Middle School
Barrington
2. Archie R. Cole Middle School
East Greenwich
3. Jamestown School - Lawn
Jamestown
1. BASIS Chandler
Chandler
2. Hidalgo Junior High School
Nogales
3. Catalina Foothills Middle School
Tucson
Top 3 High Schools1. Barrington High School
Barrington
2. East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
3. Portsmouth High School
Portsmouth
1. BASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale
2. University High School
Tucson
3. Desert Mountain High School
Scottsdale
Top 3 private high schools1. Moses Brown School
Providence
2. The Wheeler School
Providence
3. Portsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth
1. Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley
2. Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix
3. Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. Moses Brown School
Providence
2. The Wheeler School
Providence
3. Rocky Hill Country Day School
East Greenwich
1. Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley
2. BASIS Scottsdale
Scottsdale
3. Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Scottsdale
Top 3 School Districts1. Barrington Public Schools
2. East Greenwich Public Schools
3. Portsmouth School District
1. Chandler Unified School District
2. Catalina Foothills Unified School District
3. Scottsdale Unified School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 2,485 miles from Rhode Island to Arizona will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mr.Buff Personal Mover
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,611300 ft3$8.70
1 Bedroom$3,894450 ft3$8.65
2 Bedrooms$6,453750 ft3$8.60
3 Bedrooms$9,4101100 ft3$8.55
4 Bedrooms$13,6071600 ft3$8.50
5+ Bedrooms$15,2181800 ft3$8.45