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Rhode Island to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 867 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs colonial revival, 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 Fried Chicken & Burgoo
  • Kentucky housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Kentucky is 37.11% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Kentucky movers is From Here to There

Rhode Island to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Snowy winters
  • Limited space
  • Traffic congestion
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Affordable housing
  • Mild winters
  • Open landscapes
  • Smoother commutes

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • No ocean access
  • Less historical heritage
  • Limited culinary variety
  • Further from major cities
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Beautiful coastline
  • Rich history
  • Diverse dining options
  • Proximity to New York

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from snowy winters and moving to Kentucky with mild winters
  • Swap the limited space of Rhode Island for open landscapes in Kentucky
  • Get ready for smoother commutes in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastline in Rhode Island to live with no ocean access in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of less historical heritage
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse dining options and get used to limited culinary variety in Kentucky
  • Swap proximity to New York for being farther from major cities

Rhode Island vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Fried Chicken
Most popular meat dishClam CakesBurgoo
Most popular street food itemHot WienersHot Browns
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • The Duck and Bunny
  • Hemenway's
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • Ramsey's Diner
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 Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Burgoo and Hot Browns 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 BBQ Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The Duck and Bunny, and Hemenway's. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel, Holly Hill Inn, and Ramsey's Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Kentucky

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianColonial Revival, Craftsman
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 CharmSpacious Backyards, Quiet Streets
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and historic charm, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and quiet streets.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 37.11% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
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, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/63Β°F87Β°F/66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F/20Β°F44Β°F/23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5048
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3522
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Kentucky 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 floods in Kentucky.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 5 degrees warmer than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Kentucky

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
Avg. Household Income$81,854$59,341
Cost of Living Index123.387.8
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%2% - 5%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingManufacturing, Agriculture, Mining
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 28% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in KY is 2% to 5% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kentucky compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Rhode Island and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Kentucky

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies in urban areasConservative policies prevalent
ReligionPrimarily CatholicPrimarily Evangelical Protestant
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Evangelical Protestant
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky

ComparisonRhode IslandKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional (Louisville)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Veterans Park Elementary (Lexington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle (Barrington)
Wickford Middle (North Kingstown)
Portsmouth Middle (Portsmouth)
Beechwood Middle School (Fort Mitchell)
Highlands Middle School (Fort Thomas)
Morton Middle School (Lexington)
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School (Providence)
Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich)
Wheeler School (Providence)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Oldham County Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 867 miles from Rhode Island to Kentucky 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,694300 ft3$5.65
1 Bedroom$2,519450 ft3$5.60
2 Bedrooms$4,160750 ft3$5.55
3 Bedrooms$6,0461100 ft3$5.50
4 Bedrooms$8,7151600 ft3$5.45
5+ Bedrooms$9,7141800 ft3$5.40

Top Rhode Island to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Kentucky

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details