Movers

Rhode Island to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 391 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs thriving job market), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs row houses, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Clam Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in DC is 15.28% more expensive than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to DC will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Rhode Island to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to DC

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited job market
  • Higher taxes
  • Few public transport options
  • Harsh winters
  • Slower pace of life
ProsDC iconDC
  • Thriving job market
  • More cultural events
  • Extensive metro system
  • Milder winters
  • Vibrant city life

DC iconDC
  • No beaches
  • High cost of living
  • Busy lifestyle
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Fewer historical sites
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Scenic coastlines
  • Quaint small towns
  • Close-knit community
  • Lesser traffic
  • Rich colonial history

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to DC

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to thriving job market
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to DC with more cultural events
  • Swap the few public transport options of Rhode Island for extensive metro system in DC
  • Get ready for milder winters in DC

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic coastlines in Rhode Island to live with no beaches in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of quaint small towns and have to settle for the con of high cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit community and get used to busy lifestyle in DC
  • Swap lesser traffic for heavy traffic congestion

Rhode Island vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Half-Smoke
Most popular meat dishClam CakesMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemDel’s LemonadeFood Trucks (Diverse Cuisine)
Most popular vegan foodVegan Lobster RollsVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Los Andes
  • The Avery
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Le Diplomate
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 DC, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Del’s Lemonade, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Trucks (Diverse Cuisine) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Lobster Rolls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Los Andes, and The Avery. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Le Diplomate.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and DC

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRow houses, Federal
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 charmProximity to metro, Modern amenities
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the row houses and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and historic charm, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • DC housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased 8% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in DC is 15.28% more expensive than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
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, HurricanesHeatwaves, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F89Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F47Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"40"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"22"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to DC. DC gets 0% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • DC has lower 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 heatwaves and hurricanes in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 7 degrees warmer than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than those in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and DC

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
Avg. Household Income$81,854$101,027
Cost of Living Index123.3140.1
State Income Tax5.99%4%-10.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingGovernment, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateNoticeable
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 23% more than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in DC will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in DC is 4% to 10.75% compared to 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is noticeable in DC compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. DC

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
Political Make-upDemocratic-majorityDemocratic-majority
Local PoliticsLiberal policies; strong union influenceHighly liberal politics; significant federal impact
ReligionPrimarily CatholicDiverse, with no single dominating faith
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic-majority in its political climate
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-majority
  • DC's religious environment can be described as diverse, with no single dominating faith
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to DC

ComparisonRhode IslandDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Barrington
Community School
Cumberland
Hamilton Elementary
North Kingstown
Lafayette Elementary
Chevy Chase
Mann Elementary
Wesley Heights
Janney Elementary
Tenleytown
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle
Barrington
Wickford Middle
North Kingstown
Gaudet Middle
Middletown
Deal Middle School
Forest Hills
Hardy Middle School
Georgetown
Eliot-Hine Middle School
Capitol Hill
Top 3 High School SchoolsClassical High
Providence
Barrington High
Barrington
East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Wilson High School
Tenleytown
School Without Walls High School
Foggy Bottom
Banneker High School
Shaw
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown
Providence
St. George's School
Middletown
Lincoln School
Providence
Georgetown Day School
Tenleytown
Sidwell Friends School
Cleveland Park
National Cathedral School
Cathedral Heights
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWheeler School
Providence
Lincoln School
Providence
Moses Brown School
Providence
Georgetown Day School
Tenleytown
Sidwell Friends School
Cleveland Park
St. Albans School
Mount St. Alban
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
North Kingstown School District
DC Public Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 391 miles from Rhode Island to DC will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,211300 ft3$4.04
1 Bedroom$1,797450 ft3$3.99
2 Bedrooms$2,963750 ft3$3.95
3 Bedrooms$4,2981100 ft3$3.91
4 Bedrooms$6,1841600 ft3$3.87
5+ Bedrooms$6,8811800 ft3$3.82

Top Rhode Island to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
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 DC Routes