Rhode Island to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 4, 2025

Planning a 2,632 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs lower living costs), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial vs craftsman), 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 Clam Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Huckleberry BBQ Bison
- Idaho housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
- Rent in Idaho is 22.40% more affordable than in Rhode Island
- Moving from Rhode Island to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
- Our top recommended Rhode Island to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company
Rhode Island to Idaho Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Idaho
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Small size limits exploration
- Harsh winters
- Lower living costs
- Less congestion
- Vast scenic landscapes
- Milder winters in some areas
- No ocean access
- Fewer exotic cuisines
- Less historical diversity
- More isolated cities
- Ocean access
- Diverse dining options
- Rich colonial history
- Proximity to major cities
Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Idaho
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Idaho with less congestion
- Swap the small size limits of exploration in Rhode Island for vast scenic landscapes in Idaho
- Get ready for milder winters in some areas of Idaho
Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Idaho
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from ocean access in Rhode Island to live with no ocean access in Idaho
- You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of fewer exotic cuisines
- Time to bid farewell to rich colonial history and get used to less historical diversity in Idaho
- Swap proximity to major cities for more isolated cities
Rhode Island vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) | Idaho Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Clam Cakes | Huckleberry BBQ Bison |
Most popular street food item | Hot Wieners | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Johnny Cakes | Wild Huckleberry Pie |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Rhode Island to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Idaho residents know they have tasty Huckleberry BBQ Bison and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Johnny Cakes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Huckleberry Pie of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Olneyville New York System, Allyn's Cafe, and The Duck and Bunny. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, Westside Drive-In, and The Bitter Bills.
When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Rhode Island. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Idaho compared to what you are used to in Rhode Island. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Idaho.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Idaho
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront, Historic Charm | Mountain Views, Spacious Lots |
- The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
- Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and historic charm, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and spacious lots.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Rhode Island.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Idaho is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
- Idaho has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
- Idaho housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Rhode Islandβs $451,868.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
- Rent in Idaho is 22.40% more affordable than in Rhode Island.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Rhode Island and Idaho
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 63Β°F | 85Β°F / 50Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 40Β°F / 20Β°F | 39Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47" | 12-24" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 33" | 19-300" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Idaho. Idaho gets 5% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
- Idaho has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
- The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
- The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Rhode Island.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 35 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Idaho
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $81,854 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 123.3 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 3.75-5.99% | 1.125-6.925% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.35% | 0.75% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.00% | 6.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Health Care, Education, Manufacturing | Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 11% less than in Rhode Island
- The COLI in Idaho will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
- The state income tax in ID is 1.125-6.925% compared to 3.75-5.99% in RI
- The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to moderate in Rhode Island
- The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate in Rhode Island
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Rhode Island and low in Idaho
Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Idaho
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Primarily Republican |
Local Politics | Liberal policies in urban areas | Conservative policies statewide |
Religion | Largely Catholic | Majority LDS (Mormon) and Protestant |
- Rhode Island tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
- Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
- Idaho's religious environment can be described as majority LDS (Mormon) and Protestant
- Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Idaho
Comparison | Rhode Island | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Rhode Island Brown University Rhode Island College | Boise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Rockwell Elementary (Bristol) Community Elementary (Cumberland) Hamilton Elementary (North Kingstown) | Longfellow Elementary (Boise) White Pine Elementary (Boise) Adams Elementary (Boise) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Barrington Middle (Barrington) Wickford Middle (North Kingstown) Gallagher Middle (Smithfield) | North Star Charter (Eagle) Heritage Middle (Meridian) Lake Hazel Middle (Boise) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Classical High (Providence) Barrington High (Barrington) East Greenwich High (East Greenwich) | Boise High (Boise) Renaissance High (Meridian) Coeur d'Alene High (Coeur d'Alene) |
Top 3 private high schools | Moses Brown School (Providence) Wheeler School (Providence) St. George's School (Middletown) | Bishop Kelly High School (Boise) The Ambrose School (Meridian) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Lincoln School (Providence) St. Andrews School (Barrington) Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich) | Riverstone International School (Boise) The Ambrose School (Meridian) North Idaho Christian School (Hayden) |
Top 3 School Districts | Barrington School District East Greenwich Public Schools Lincoln School District | Boise School District Blaine County School District Coeur d'Alene School District |
How Much Do Rhode Island to Idaho Movers Cost?
Moving 2,632 miles from Rhode Island to Idaho 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
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,695 | 300 ft3 | $8.98 |
1 Bedroom | $4,019 | 450 ft3 | $8.93 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,662 | 750 ft3 | $8.88 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,715 | 1100 ft3 | $8.83 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,051 | 1600 ft3 | $8.78 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,718 | 1800 ft3 | $8.73 |
Top Rhode Island to Idaho Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Rhode Island to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

208 Moving Company
Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Idaho