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Rhode Island to Indiana Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 857 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like expensive living costs vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (colonial vs ranch), 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 Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Beef and Noodles
  • Indiana housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Indiana is 35.17% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Indiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Indiana movers is MVM Moving & Storage

Rhode Island to Indiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Indiana

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Expensive living costs
  • Limited job market
  • Traffic congestion
  • Cold winters
ProsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Lower cost of living
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Smoother commutes
  • Mild winters

Indiana iconIndiana
  • No coastlines
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Fewer seafood options
  • Far from major cities
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Coastal scenery
  • Historic charm
  • Rich seafood cuisine
  • Proximity to Boston

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Indiana

  • Say goodbye to expensive living costs and hello to a lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Indiana with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Rhode Island for smoother commutes in Indiana
  • Get ready for mild winters in Indiana

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Indiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal scenery in Rhode Island to live with no coastlines in Indiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historic charm and have to settle for the con of fewer historic sites
  • Time to bid farewell to rich seafood cuisine and get used to fewer seafood options in Indiana
  • Swap proximity to Boston for being far from major cities

Rhode Island vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishClam CakesBeef and Noodles
Most popular street food itemHot WienersCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladVegetable Samosa
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Litteramis
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 Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Indiana residents know they have tasty Beef and Noodles and Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Samosa of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Olneyville New York System, and Waterman Grille. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Litteramis.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Indiana

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonialRanch
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 access, Historic propertiesLarge backyards, Proximity to schools
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Indiana.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront access and historic properties, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like large backyards and proximity to schools.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Indiana is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Indiana is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Indiana has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Indiana housing costs are 48% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased 54% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Indiana is 35.17% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
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, Nor'eastersTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39Β°F / 20Β°F34Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Indiana. Indiana gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Indiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Indiana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Indiana is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows in Indiana are 2 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Indiana. Indiana receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Indiana

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
Avg. Household Income$81,854$66,785
Cost of Living Index123.392.95
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax7.00%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesHealth Services, Education, TourismManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateLow-Moderate
HomelessnessNotableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 18% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Indiana will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in IN is 3.23% compared to 3.75% - 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Indiana is varied compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is low to moderate in Indiana compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Rhode Island and manageable in Indiana

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Indiana

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
Political Make-upDemocratically inclinedRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsModerate to liberalConservative, with variations
ReligionPrimarily CatholicDiverse, with a significant Protestant population
  • Rhode Island tends to lean democratically inclined in its political climate
  • Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
  • Indiana's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Protestant population
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Indiana

ComparisonRhode IslandIndiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Brown University
Indiana University Bloomington
Purdue University
Ball State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Barrington; Nayatt School
Barrington; Community School
Cumberland
Signature School
Evansville; University Elementary School
Bloomington; Childs Elementary School
Bloomington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School
Barrington; Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown; Portsmouth Middle School
Portsmouth
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
West Lafayette; Brown County Junior High School
Nashville; Fall Creek Valley Middle School
Indianapolis
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School
Providence; Barrington High School
Barrington; East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Signature School
Evansville; Carmel High School
Carmel; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
West Lafayette
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School
Providence; St. George's School
Middletown; Wheeler School
Providence
Culver Academies
Culver; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis; Park Tudor School
Indianapolis
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWheeler School
Providence; Moses Brown School
Providence; St. George's School
Middletown
Culver Academies
Culver; Park Tudor School
Indianapolis; The Orchard School
Indianapolis
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools; East Greenwich Public Schools; Lincoln School DistrictCarmel Clay Schools; West Lafayette Community School Corporation; Zionsville Community Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to Indiana Movers Cost?

Moving 857 miles from Rhode Island to Indiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Bulldogs Moving Co.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,688300 ft3$5.63
1 Bedroom$2,510450 ft3$5.58
2 Bedrooms$4,146750 ft3$5.53
3 Bedrooms$6,0261100 ft3$5.48
4 Bedrooms$8,6841600 ft3$5.43
5+ Bedrooms$9,6801800 ft3$5.38

Top Rhode Island to Indiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Indiana

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details