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Rhode Island to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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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

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited public transport
  • Higher state taxes
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Smaller cultural scene
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Extensive transit system
  • Financial incentives
  • Robust job market
  • Vibrant cultural life

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • More transient population
  • High cost of living
  • Busy urban centers
  • Heavy traffic delays
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • 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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Clam Chowder
Most popular meat dishGrilled PizzaLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemHot WienersFried Clams
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SandwichJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway's
  • Iggy's Doughboys
  • The Clam Shack
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Union Oyster House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleColonialColonial and Victorian
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 viewsAccess 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 Island’s $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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
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 DisastersNor'easters, HurricanesNor'easters, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodGood to moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F80Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39Β°F / 20Β°F37Β°F / 19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4745
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3351
  • 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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$81,854$94,488
Cost of Living Index123.3121.55
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.35%1.25%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingHealthcare, Education, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyAverageLow
HomelessnessManageableConcerning
  • 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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
Political Make-upDemocratically inclinedStrong Democratic lean
Local PoliticsModerate with progressive pocketsProgressive, especially in urban areas
ReligionMajority CatholicPluralistic, 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

ComparisonRhode IslandMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)URI
RIC
Brown University
UMass Amherst
Boston University
Harvard University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell 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 SchoolsGordon School
East Providence
Wheeler School
Providence
Barrington Middle
Barrington
William Diamond Middle
Lexington
Amigos School
Cambridge
McCall Middle
Winchester
Top 3 High School SchoolsClassical 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 schoolsMoses 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 schoolsWheeler School
Providence
Moses Brown School
Providence
Lincoln School
Providence
Belmont Hill School
Belmont
Milton Academy
Milton
Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Cambridge
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,062300 ft3$3.54
1 Bedroom$1,573450 ft3$3.50
2 Bedrooms$2,590750 ft3$3.45
3 Bedrooms$3,7521100 ft3$3.41
4 Bedrooms$5,3901600 ft3$3.37
5+ Bedrooms$5,9871800 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.

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
Top Rhode Island to Massachusetts Routes

Providence to Massachusetts