Rhode Island to Indiana Moving Guide
Updated June 7, 2025

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
- Expensive living costs
- Limited job market
- Traffic congestion
- Cold winters
- Lower cost of living
- Diverse job opportunities
- Smoother commutes
- Mild winters
- No coastlines
- Fewer historic sites
- Fewer seafood options
- Far from major cities
- 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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Clam Cakes | Beef and Noodles |
Most popular street food item | Hot Wieners | Corn Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Seaweed Salad | Vegetable Samosa |
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 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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront access, Historic properties | Large 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 Islandβs $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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
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, Nor'easters | Tornadoes, Severe Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 63Β°F | 85Β°F / 64Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 39Β°F / 20Β°F | 34Β°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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $81,854 | $66,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 123.3 | 92.95 |
State Income Tax | 3.75% - 5.99% | 3.23% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.63% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.00% | 7.00% |
Top 3 Industries | Health Services, Education, Tourism | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Moderate | Low-Moderate |
Homelessness | Notable | Manageable |
- 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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratically inclined | Republican-leaning |
Local Politics | Moderate to liberal | Conservative, with variations |
Religion | Primarily Catholic | Diverse, 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
Comparison | Rhode Island | Indiana |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Rockwell Elementary Barrington; Nayatt School Barrington; Community School Cumberland | Signature School Evansville; University Elementary School Bloomington; Childs Elementary School Bloomington |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Barrington 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 Schools | Classical 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 schools | Moses 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 schools | Wheeler 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 Districts | Barrington Public Schools; East Greenwich Public Schools; Lincoln School District | Carmel 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,688 | 300 ft3 | $5.63 |
1 Bedroom | $2,510 | 450 ft3 | $5.58 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,146 | 750 ft3 | $5.53 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,026 | 1100 ft3 | $5.48 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,684 | 1600 ft3 | $5.43 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,680 | 1800 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.

MVM Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Indiana