RI to IL Moving Specialists

Rhode Island to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 1,078 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordability in housing), food & health (like Stuffies vs Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs prairie, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies and Clam Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef
  • Illinois housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Illinois is 15.89% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Top Rhode Island to Illinois Movers

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

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Illinois

9.37/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.27/10
Very Good

Rhode Island to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Small geographical size
  • Harsh winters
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Affordability in housing
  • Thriving job market
  • Expansive landscapes
  • More moderate winters

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Landlocked state
  • Fewer historic towns
  • More urban sprawl
  • Fewer fresh seafood options
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Coastal access
  • Historic charm
  • Close-knit communities
  • Produced seafood delicacies

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordability in housing
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Illinois with a thriving job market
  • Swap the small geographical size of Rhode Island for expansive landscapes in Illinois
  • Get ready for more moderate winters in Illinois

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal access in Rhode Island to live in a landlocked state in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historic charm and have to settle for the con of fewer historic towns
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to more urban sprawl in Illinois
  • Swap produced seafood delicacies for fewer fresh seafood options

Rhode Island vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
Most iconic local food itemStuffiesDeep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishClam CakesItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemHot WienersChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan CalamariVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • The White Horse Tavern
  • Los Andes Restaurant
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's Hot Dogs
  • Alinea
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 Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Calamari they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The White Horse Tavern, and Los Andes Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's Hot Dogs, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Illinois

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianPrairie, Modern
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, historic homesEnergy efficiency, smart homes
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and historic homes, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and smart homes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Illinois housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Illinois is 15.89% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
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, HurricanesTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39Β°F / 20Β°F35Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"39"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)35"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Illinois. Illinois gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Illinois 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 tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows in Illinois are 2 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Illinois

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
Avg. Household Income$81,854$76,708
Cost of Living Index123.394.25
State Income Tax3.75%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%2.05%
Avg. Sales Tax7.00%8.82%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingFinance, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessStableIncreasing
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 6% less than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Illinois will be 24% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 3.75% in RI
  • The affluence in Illinois is varied compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Rhode Island and increasing in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Illinois

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
Political Make-upDemocratically leaningDemocratically leaning
Local PoliticsFocus on maritime industries and educationHeavy emphasis on manufacturing and agriculture
ReligionLargely CatholicDiverse, with a significant Protestant presence
  • Rhode Island tends to lean democratically in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as democratically leaning
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Protestant presence
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

ComparisonRhode IslandIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Hampden Meadows School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
South Park Elementary School (Deerfield)
Willowbrook Elementary School (Glenview)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Archie R. Cole Middle School (East Greenwich)
Woodlawn Middle School (Long Grove)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Maple School (Northbrook)
Top 3 High School SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Jamestown School Department
New Trier Township HSD 203
Northfield Township HSD 225
Community High School District 128

How Much Do Rhode Island to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,078 miles from Rhode Island to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,814300 ft3$6.05
1 Bedroom$2,698450 ft3$6.00
2 Bedrooms$4,459750 ft3$5.95
3 Bedrooms$6,4851100 ft3$5.90
4 Bedrooms$9,3531600 ft3$5.85
5+ Bedrooms$10,4321800 ft3$5.80
Top Rhode Island to Illinois Routes

Providence to Illinois