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Rhode Island to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 890 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Coney Dog), real estate & housing (colonial vs 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 Coney Dog & Pasties
  • Michigan housing costs are 47% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Michigan is 30.32% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

Rhode Island to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Michigan

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Overcrowded beaches
  • Harsh winters
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Vast natural landscapes
  • Milder climates

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Limited coastline
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • Urban sprawl
  • Potential isolation
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Rich colonial history
  • Charming small towns
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Michigan with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the overcrowded beaches of Rhode Island for vast natural landscapes in Michigan
  • Get ready for milder climates in Michigan

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful coastlines in Rhode Island to live with limited coastline in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich colonial history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical landmarks
  • Time to bid farewell to charming small towns and get used to urban sprawl in Michigan
  • Swap close-knit communities for potential isolation

Rhode Island vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Coney Dog
Most popular meat dishClam CakesPasties
Most popular street food itemHot WienersFaygo Floats
Most popular vegan foodGrilled PizzaTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway's
  • Olneyville New York System
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Lafayette Coney Island
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 Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Coney Dog of Michigan. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Faygo Floats to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway's, and Olneyville New York System. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Lafayette Coney Island.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Michigan

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleColonialCraftsman
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 properties, historic homesLakeside living, spacious yards
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront properties and historic homes, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside living and spacious yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Michigan is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Michigan has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Michigan housing costs are 47% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Michigan is 30.32% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
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 DisastersHurricanes, StormsSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F81Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F31Β°F / 17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4730-38
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3360-80
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Michigan. Michigan gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Michigan has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan.
  • The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 1 degree colder than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Michigan

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
Avg. Household Income$81,854$66,986
Cost of Living Index123.391.2
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%1.54%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingAutomotive, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 18% less than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Michigan will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is high in Michigan compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and moderate in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Michigan

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningMixed, with both Democratic and Republican strongholds
Local PoliticsLocal governance tends to be DemocraticVaries greatly; Democratic in urban areas like Detroit, Republican in rural areas
ReligionLargely Catholic, <a href="https://diospringfield.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">local Catholic churches</a>Diverse, with a strong Protestant presence, local churches
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with both Democratic and Republican strongholds
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a strong Protestant presence and local churches
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic and <a href="https://diospringfield.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">local Catholic churches</a>

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Michigan

ComparisonRhode IslandMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Brown University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary - Bristol
Nayatt School - Barrington
Community School - Cumberland
Bates Elementary - Dexter
Wealthy Elementary - East Grand Rapids
Ferry Elementary - Grand Haven
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle - Barrington
Wickford Middle - North Kingstown
Gallagher Middle - Smithfield
Eagle Crest Charter Academy - Holland
Boulan Park Middle - Troy
West Middle School - Grand Blanc
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School - Providence
Barrington High - Barrington
East Greenwich High - East Greenwich
International Academy - Bloomfield Hills
City Middle/High School - Grand Rapids
Troy High School - Troy
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School - Providence
St. George's School - Middletown
The Wheeler School - Providence
Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills
Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills
The Roeper School - Birmingham
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School - Providence
Rocky Hill Country Day School - East Greenwich
The Wheeler School - Providence
Cranbrook Schools - Bloomfield Hills
Detroit Country Day School - Beverly Hills
The Roeper School - Birmingham
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Cumberland School District
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Novi Community School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 890 miles from Rhode Island to Michigan 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 6.5-15.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,707300 ft3$5.69
1 Bedroom$2,538450 ft3$5.64
2 Bedrooms$4,193750 ft3$5.59
3 Bedrooms$6,0941100 ft3$5.54
4 Bedrooms$8,7841600 ft3$5.49
5+ Bedrooms$9,7921800 ft3$5.44

Top Rhode Island to Michigan Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.07/10
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 Michigan Routes

Providence to Michigan