RI to ME Moving Specialists

Rhode Island to Maine Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 317 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Maine? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Maine across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (colonial vs cape cod), 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 Italian Sausage Sub, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Lobster Stew
  • Maine housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Maine is 12.73% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Maine will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Maine movers is Vacationland Moving
Rhode Island to Maine featured image

Top Rhode Island to Maine Movers

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

TOP PICK
Vacationland Moving featured image

Vacationland Moving

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Maine

9.02/10
Superb
RUNNER-UP
Allen's Transfer & Storage featured image

Allen's Transfer & Storage

8.75/10
Superb
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.26/10
Very Good

Rhode Island to Maine Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Maine

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited outdoor space
  • Smaller coastline
ProsMaine iconMaine
  • More affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Expansive natural beauty
  • Picturesque rocky coast

Maine iconMaine
  • Longer travel to major cities
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Less urban development
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Proximity to Boston
  • Warmer winters
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Historic architecture

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Maine

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Maine with less crowded roads
  • Swap the limited outdoor space of Rhode Island for the expansive natural beauty in Maine
  • Get ready for the picturesque rocky coast in Maine

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Maine

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from proximity to Boston in Rhode Island to live with longer travel to major cities in Maine
  • You'll lose out on the pro of warmer winters and have to settle for the con of colder winters
  • Time to bid farewell to the rich cultural scene and get used to fewer cultural activities in Maine
  • Swap historic architecture for less urban development

Rhode Island vs. Maine: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Lobster Roll
Most popular meat dishItalian Sausage SubLobster Stew
Most popular street food itemHot WienersWhoopie Pie
Most popular vegan foodVegetable Chow MeinMaple Baked Beans
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • Al Forno Restaurant
  • Los Andes Restaurant
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Rhode Island to Maine, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Maine. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Italian Sausage Sub and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Maine residents know they have tasty Lobster Stew and Whoopie Pie to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Chow Mein they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Maple Baked Beans of Maine. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, Al Forno Restaurant, and Los Andes Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Maine, don't wait too long before making your way to Maine's acclaimed eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Fore Street, and Duckfat.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Maine

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
Typical Architecture StyleColonialCape Cod
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 listingClose to beaches, Historical charmNear nature, Quiet surroundings
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod architecture typical of Maine.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and historical charm, Maine real estate listings often highlight features like being near nature and offering quiet surroundings.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Maine is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Maine is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Maine has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Maine housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $392,358 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maine have increased by 70% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Maine is 12.73% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
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 DisastersStorms, floodsStorms, floods, heavy snow
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F79Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F31Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4743
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3375
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Maine. Maine gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Maine has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible storms and floods in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential storms, floods, and heavy snow in Maine.
  • The average summer high temperature in Maine is 3 degrees colder than Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than those in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Maine. Maine receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Maine

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
Avg. Household Income$81,854$69,543
Cost of Living Index123.3116.5
State Income Tax3.75 - 5.99%5.8 - 7.15%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%1.36%
Avg. Sales Tax7.0%5.5%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, EducationAgriculture, Healthcare, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maine tend to earn about 15% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Maine will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in ME is 5.8% - 7.15% compared to 3.75% - 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Maine is moderate compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in Maine compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and low in Maine

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Maine

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
Political Make-upSolidly Democratic in statewide and federal races; legislature and most statewide offices are held by Democrats; federal delegation is Democratic.Politically mixed with an independent streak; governor and legislature currently Democratic, U.S. senators include a Republican and an Independent; uses ranked-choice voting and can split electoral votes, with the 2nd District leaning more conservative.
Local PoliticsUrban-centered politics around Providence; municipal offices often dominated by Democrats; issues frequently include coastal resilience, housing, property taxes, and economic development.Strong town-meeting tradition and local control; issues often focus on property taxes, fisheries and forestry, housing and short-term rentals, and environmental conservation; notable rural-urban divide between the Portland/southern coast and the interior.
ReligionHistorically the most Roman Catholic state; Catholicism remains the largest affiliation, while the religiously unaffiliated share has grown; overall attendance tends to be lower than the national average.Among the least religiously affiliated states; high share of religiously unaffiliated, with Protestant mainline and smaller Catholic communities present; church attendance generally lower than the national average.
  • Rhode Island tends to lean solidly Democratic in its political climate with statewide and federal races being dominated by Democrats, as the legislature and most statewide offices are held by them and the federal delegation is Democratic.
  • Maine, on the other hand, is often described as politically mixed with an independent streak, as the governor and legislature are currently Democratic while the U.S. senators include a Republican and an Independent; it uses ranked-choice voting and can split electoral votes, with the 2nd District leaning more conservative.
  • Maine's religious environment can be described as among the least religiously affiliated states, featuring a high share of religiously unaffiliated individuals, along with Protestant mainline and smaller Catholic communities present; church attendance is generally lower than the national average.
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as historically the most Roman Catholic state, with Catholicism remaining the largest affiliation, while the share of the religiously unaffiliated has grown; overall attendance tends to be lower than the national average.

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Maine

ComparisonRhode IslandMaine
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Kingston; Rhode Island College
Providence; Brown University
Providence
University of Maine
Orono; Colby College
Waterville; Bowdoin College
Brunswick
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMelrose School
Jamestown; Nayatt School
Barrington; Rockwell School
Bristol
Falmouth Elementary School
Falmouth; Cape Elizabeth Elementary School
Cape Elizabeth; Scarborough Elementary School
Scarborough
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School
Barrington; Cole Middle School
East Greenwich; Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown
Falmouth Middle School
Falmouth; Greely Middle School
Cumberland; Scarborough Middle School
Scarborough
Top 3 High SchoolsBarrington High School
Barrington; East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich; South Kingstown High School
Wakefield
Falmouth High School
Falmouth; Cape Elizabeth High School
Cape Elizabeth; Yarmouth High School
Yarmouth
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School
Providence; The Wheeler School
Providence; St. George’s School
Middletown
Waynflete School
Portland; Gould Academy
Bethel; Hebron Academy
Hebron
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPortsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth; Rocky Hill Country Day School
East Greenwich; St. Andrew’s School
Barrington
Waynflete School
Portland; Cheverus High School
Portland; Kents Hill School
Readfield
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
Barrington; East Greenwich Public Schools
East Greenwich; Narragansett School System
Narragansett
Falmouth Public Schools
Falmouth; Cape Elizabeth School Department
Cape Elizabeth; Yarmouth Schools
Yarmouth

How Much Do Rhode Island to Maine Movers Cost?

Moving 317 miles from Rhode Island to Maine 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 - $4,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Local Muscle Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,175300 ft3$3.92
1 Bedroom$1,743450 ft3$3.87
2 Bedrooms$2,873750 ft3$3.83
3 Bedrooms$4,1681100 ft3$3.79
4 Bedrooms$5,9941600 ft3$3.75
5+ Bedrooms$6,6671800 ft3$3.70
Top Rhode Island to Maine Routes

Providence to Maine