Rhode Island to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

Planning a 82 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transport vs extensive transit system), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (colonial vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Grilled Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
- Massachusetts housing costs are 36% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island
- Rent in Massachusetts is 21.97% more expensive than in Rhode Island
- Moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
- Our top recommended Rhode Island to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Rhode Island to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
- Limited public transport
- Higher state taxes
- Fewer job opportunities
- Smaller cultural scene
- Extensive transit system
- Financial incentives
- Robust job market
- Vibrant cultural life
- More transient population
- High cost of living
- Busy urban centers
- Heavy traffic delays
- Close-knit communities
- Scenic coastal views
- Quieter lifestyle
- Lower traffic congestion
Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
- Say goodbye to limited public transport and hello to an extensive transit system
- Look forward to moving away from higher state taxes and moving to Massachusetts with financial incentives
- Swap the fewer job opportunities of Rhode Island for a robust job market in Massachusetts
- Get ready for a vibrant cultural life in Massachusetts
Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in Rhode Island to live with a more transient population in Massachusetts
- You'll lose out on the pro of scenic coastal views and have to settle for the con of high cost of living
- Time to bid farewell to a quieter lifestyle and get used to busy urban centers in Massachusetts
- Swap lower traffic congestion for heavy traffic delays
Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Grilled Pizza | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | Hot Wieners | Fried Clams |
Most popular vegan food | Seitan Sandwich | Jackfruit Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Pizza and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway's, and Iggy's Doughboys. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like The Clam Shack, Neptune Oyster, and Union Oyster House.
When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Rhode Island. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in Rhode Island. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Colonial and Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront views | Access to public transportation |
- The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
- Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transportation.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Massachusetts is more walkable than Rhode Island.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
- Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
- Massachusetts housing costs are 36% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Rhode Islandβs $451,868.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
- Rent in Massachusetts is 21.97% more expensive than in Rhode Island.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 | Nor'easters, Hurricanes | Nor'easters, Blizzards |
Air Quality | Good | Good to moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 63Β°F | 80Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 39Β°F / 20Β°F | 37Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47 | 45 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 33 | 51 |
- Massachusetts gets an equal number of sunshine days as Rhode Island.
- Massachusetts has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
- Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and hurricanes in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts.
- The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 2 degrees colder than in Rhode Island.
- The average winter lows in Massachusetts are 1 degree colder than they are in Rhode Island.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Massachusetts as it receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $81,854 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 123.3 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 3.75% - 5.99% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.35% | 1.25% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 6.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Education, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Average | Low |
Homelessness | Manageable | Concerning |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 15% more than in Rhode Island
- The COLI in Massachusetts is 1% lower than what you are used to in Rhode Island
- The state income tax in MA is 5% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
- The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in Rhode Island
- The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to average in Rhode Island
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Rhode Island and concerning in Massachusetts
Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratically inclined | Strong Democratic lean |
Local Politics | Moderate with progressive pockets | Progressive, especially in urban areas |
Religion | Majority Catholic | Pluralistic, with a significant Catholic population |
- Rhode Island tends to lean democratically inclined in its political climate
- Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as having a strong Democratic lean
- Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as pluralistic with a significant Catholic population
- Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
Comparison | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | URI RIC Brown University | UMass Amherst Boston University Harvard University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Rockwell Elementary Bristol Moses Brown School Providence Lincoln School Providence | John D. Hardy Elementary Wellesley Memorial-Spaulding Elementary Newton Vinson-Owen Elementary Winchester |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Gordon School East Providence Wheeler School Providence Barrington Middle Barrington | William Diamond Middle Lexington Amigos School Cambridge McCall Middle Winchester |
Top 3 High School Schools | Classical High Providence Barrington High Barrington East Greenwich High East Greenwich | Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science Worcester Lexington High Lexington Boston Latin School Boston |
Top 3 private high schools | Moses Brown School Providence St. George's School Middletown Portsmouth Abbey School Portsmouth | Phillips Academy Andover Groton School Groton Milton Academy Milton |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Wheeler School Providence Moses Brown School Providence Lincoln School Providence | Belmont Hill School Belmont Milton Academy Milton Buckingham Browne & Nichols Cambridge |
Top 3 School Districts | Barrington Public Schools East Greenwich Public Schools Westerly Public Schools | Lexington Public Schools Newton Public Schools Wellesley Public Schools |
How Much Do Rhode Island to Massachusetts Movers Cost?
Moving 82 miles from Rhode Island to Massachusetts will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,062 | 300 ft3 | $3.54 |
1 Bedroom | $1,573 | 450 ft3 | $3.50 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,590 | 750 ft3 | $3.45 |
3 Bedrooms | $3,752 | 1100 ft3 | $3.41 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,390 | 1600 ft3 | $3.37 |
5+ Bedrooms | $5,987 | 1800 ft3 | $3.33 |
Top Rhode Island to Massachusetts Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Rhode Island to Massachusetts movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Massachusetts