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Rhode Island to Connecticut Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 116 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Connecticut? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Connecticut across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs broader career opportunities), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs White Clam Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, cottage vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Connecticut), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Grilled Portuguese sausage, but get your taste buds ready for White Clam Pizza & Hamburger
  • Connecticut housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Connecticut is 4.20% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Connecticut movers is Smooth Move & Delivery

Rhode Island to Connecticut Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited job market
  • Higher taxes
  • Small geographic area
  • Limited public transit
ProsConnecticut iconConnecticut
  • Broader career opportunities
  • More reasonable taxes
  • Larger state with variety
  • Better transportation options

Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Less community feel
  • Fewer beach options
  • Younger urban development
  • Different cuisine styles
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Close-knit communities
  • Coastline beauty
  • Historic sights
  • Culinary scene

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to broader career opportunities
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Connecticut with more reasonable taxes
  • Swap the small geographic area of Rhode Island for a larger state with variety in Connecticut
  • Get ready for better transportation options in Connecticut

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in Rhode Island to live with a less community feel in Connecticut
  • You'll lose out on the pro of coastline beauty and have to settle for the con of fewer beach options
  • Time to bid farewell to historic sights and get used to younger urban development in Connecticut
  • Swap the culinary scene for different cuisine styles

Rhode Island vs. Connecticut: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)White Clam Pizza
Most popular meat dishGrilled Portuguese sausageHamburger
Most popular street food itemHot WienerLobster Roll
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SandwichVegan Sushi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway’s
  • Iggy’s Doughboys
  • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Louis' Lunch
  • Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious White Clam Pizza of Connecticut. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Portuguese Sausage and sumptuous Hot Wiener, Connecticut residents know they have tasty Hamburger and Lobster Roll to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Sushi of Connecticut. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway’s, and Iggy’s Doughboys. After the boxes are unpacked in Connecticut, don't wait too long before making your way to Connecticut's acclaimed eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Louis' Lunch, and Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Connecticut

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CottageColonial, 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 Views, PrivacyEasy Commute, Spacious Yards
  • The Colonial and Cottage architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Connecticut.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and privacy, Connecticut real estate listings often highlight features like an easy commute and spacious yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Connecticut is more walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Connecticut is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Connecticut has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Connecticut housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $393,802 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Connecticut have increased by 55% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Connecticut is 4.20% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
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, StormsHurricanes, Storms, Winter storms
Air QualityGoodModerate to Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F35Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5048
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3337
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Connecticut. Connecticut gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Connecticut has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, storms, and winter storms in Connecticut.
  • The average summer high temperature in Connecticut is 3 degrees warmer than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Connecticut. Connecticut receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Connecticut

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
Avg. Household Income$81,854$88,429
Cost of Living Index123.3122.1
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%3% - 6.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%2.14%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6.35%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, TourismFinance, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessLowVery Low
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Connecticut tend to earn about 8% more than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Connecticut will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in CT is 3% to 6.99% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Connecticut is high compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is lower in Connecticut compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and very low in Connecticut

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Connecticut

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsLocal governance tends to be very community-oriented.Local governance shows a mix of both community orientation and a focus on statewide initiatives.
ReligionLargely CatholicMore religiously diverse
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Connecticut, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Connecticut's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Connecticut

ComparisonRhode IslandConnecticut
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of Rhode Island
2. Rhode Island College
3. Brown University
1. University of Connecticut
2. Yale University
3. Connecticut College
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Rockwell School
Bristol
2. Nayatt School
Barrington
3. Community School
Cumberland
1. Long Lots School
Westport
2. North Mianus School
Greenwich
3. International School at Dundee
Greenwich
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Barrington Middle School
Barrington
2. Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown
3. Portsmouth Middle School
Portsmouth
1. Eastern Middle School
Greenwich
2. Bedford Middle School
Westport
3. Roger Ludlowe Middle School
Fairfield
Top 3 High School Schools1. Classical High School
Providence
2. Barrington High School
Barrington
3. East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
1. Staples High School
Westport
2. Greenwich High School
Greenwich
3. Ridgefield High School
Ridgefield
Top 3 private high schools1. Moses Brown School
Providence
2. St. George's School
Middletown
3. The Wheeler School
Providence
1. Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford
2. The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville
3. The Taft School
Watertown
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. The Wheeler School
Providence
2. Moses Brown School
Providence
3. St. George's School
Middletown
1. Greens Farms Academy
Westport
2. Brunswick School
Greenwich
3. King School
Stamford
Top 3 School Districts1. Barrington School District
2. East Greenwich Public Schools
3. Portsmouth School District
1. Westport School District
2. Greenwich School District
3. New Canaan School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Connecticut Movers Cost?

Moving 116 miles from Rhode Island to Connecticut will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Extra Help Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,078300 ft3$3.59
1 Bedroom$1,598450 ft3$3.55
2 Bedrooms$2,631750 ft3$3.51
3 Bedrooms$3,8121100 ft3$3.47
4 Bedrooms$5,4771600 ft3$3.42
5+ Bedrooms$6,0861800 ft3$3.38

Top Rhode Island to Connecticut Movers

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

TOP PICK
Smooth Move & Delivery featured image

Smooth Move & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Connecticut

9.21/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Expert Movers & Storage Inc featured image

Expert Movers & Storage Inc

9.16/10
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 Connecticut Routes

Providence to Connecticut