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Rhode Island to Colorado Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 2,000 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living costs), food & health (like Clam Cakes vs Rocky Mountain Oysters), real estate & housing (colonial vs modern and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Cakes and Stuffies (Stuffed Clams), but get your taste buds ready for Rocky Mountain Oysters & Bison Burgers
  • Colorado housing costs are 22% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Colorado is 2.64% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Colorado will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Colorado movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Rhode Island to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Colorado

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Small state, fewer landscapes
  • Humid winters
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Lower living costs
  • Expanding job opportunities
  • Diverse natural scenery
  • Dry, sunny winters

Colorado iconColorado
  • Inland state
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Higher city living pace
  • Potential for traffic jams
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Beach access
  • Rich colonial history
  • Cozy small towns
  • Less traffic congestion

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living costs
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Colorado with expanding job opportunities
  • Swap the small state and fewer landscapes of Rhode Island for diverse natural scenery in Colorado
  • Get ready for dry, sunny winters in Colorado

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beach access in Rhode Island to live with an inland state in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich colonial history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to cozy small towns and get used to a higher city living pace in Colorado
  • Swap less traffic congestion for the potential for traffic jams

Rhode Island vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
Most iconic local food itemClam CakesRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Bison Burgers
Most popular street food itemHot WienersGreen Chili
Most popular vegan foodDel's LemonadeJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • The White Horse Tavern
    • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
    • Al Forno Restaurant
    • Frasca Food and Wine
    • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
    • The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant
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 Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Clam Cakes of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Green Chili 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 Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like The White Horse Tavern, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and Al Forno Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Colorado

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
Typical Architecture StyleColonialModern and 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 listingProximity to ocean, Historic charmMountain views, Outdoor accessibility
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Ranch architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the ocean and historic charm, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor accessibility.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Colorado is more walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Colorado is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Colorado has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Colorado housing costs are 22% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased 40% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Colorado is 2.64% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
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, BlizzardsWildfires, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/63Β°F86Β°F/56Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F/20Β°F45Β°F/17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"15.6"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)35"60"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Colorado. Colorado gets 21% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Colorado has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and snowstorms in Colorado.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 4 degrees warmer than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 34.4 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Colorado

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
Avg. Household Income$81,854$89,302
Cost of Living Index123.398.3
State Income Tax3.75%4.63%
Avg. Property Tax1.43%0.50%
Avg. Sales Tax7%2.9%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingAerospace, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 9% more than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Colorado is 20% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in CO is 4.63% compared to 3.75% in RI
  • The affluence in Colorado is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Rhode Island and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Colorado

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticMixed, with a slight Democratic lean
Local PoliticsHigh community involvement, with a focus on local governanceStrong local governance with an emphasis on environmental and social issues
ReligionPrimarily CatholicDiverse, with no single dominance
  • Rhode Island tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Democratic lean
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as diverse with no single dominance
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Colorado

ComparisonRhode IslandColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Brown University (Providence)
University of Rhode Island (Kingston)
Rhode Island School of Design (Providence)
University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder)
Colorado State University (Fort Collins)
University of Denver (Denver)
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Slavens K-8 School (Denver)
Cory Elementary School (Denver)
Bromwell Elementary (Denver)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle (Barrington)
Wickford Middle (North Kingstown)
Gallagher Middle (Smithfield)
DSA (Denver School of the Arts) (Denver)
Summit Middle Charter School (Boulder)
Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School (Fort Collins)
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village)
Fairview High School (Boulder)
D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (Denver)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Colorado Academy (Denver)
The Vanguard School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School (Providence)
Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Valor Christian High School (Highlands Ranch)
Aspen Academy (Greenwood Village)
Dawson School (Lafayette)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Cumberland School District
Boulder Valley School District
Cherry Creek School District
Littleton Public Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 2,000 miles from Rhode Island to Colorado will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: The Move Caddies
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,336300 ft3$7.79
1 Bedroom$3,482450 ft3$7.74
2 Bedrooms$5,766750 ft3$7.69
3 Bedrooms$8,4021100 ft3$7.64
4 Bedrooms$12,1401600 ft3$7.59
5+ Bedrooms$13,5681800 ft3$7.54

Top Rhode Island to Colorado Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Colorado

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details