RI to MO Moving Specialists

Rhode Island to Missouri Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 1,225 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Missouri? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Missouri across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies vs St. Louis-style pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies and Clam cakes, but get your taste buds ready for St. Louis-style pizza & Kansas City barbecue
  • Missouri housing costs are 46% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Missouri is 35.88% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Missouri will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Missouri movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
Rhode Island to Missouri featured image

Top Rhode Island to Missouri Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Missouri

9.63/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.34/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.26/10
Very Good

Rhode Island to Missouri Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Missouri

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Overcrowded beaches
  • Traffic congestion
  • Severe winters
ProsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Spacious natural parks
  • Less traffic
  • Milder winters

Missouri iconMissouri
  • No coastal beaches
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Less diverse food scene
  • Inland living
  • Fewer cultural events
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Ocean access
  • Historical sites
  • Varied cuisine
  • Coastal charm
  • Art and culture

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Missouri

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from the limited job market and moving to Missouri with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the overcrowded beaches of Rhode Island for spacious natural parks in Missouri
  • Get ready for less traffic in Missouri

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Missouri

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from ocean access in Rhode Island to live with no coastal beaches in Missouri
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical sites and have to settle for the con of fewer historic landmarks
  • Time to bid farewell to varied cuisine and get used to a less diverse food scene in Missouri
  • Swap coastal charm for inland living

Rhode Island vs. Missouri: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
Most iconic local food itemStuffiesSt. Louis-style pizza
Most popular meat dishClam cakesKansas City barbecue
Most popular street food itemHot wienersToasted ravioli
Most popular vegan foodGrilled vegetable platterCauliflower wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway's
  • The White Horse Tavern
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
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 Missouri, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious St. Louis-style pizza of Missouri. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam cakes and sumptuous Hot wieners, Missouri residents know they have tasty Kansas City barbecue and Toasted ravioli to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled vegetable platter they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Cauliflower wings of Missouri. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway's, and The White Horse Tavern. After the boxes are unpacked in Missouri, don't wait too long before making your way to Missouri's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Pappy's Smokehouse, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Missouri

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRanch, 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 views, Historic detailsSpacious backyards, Modern updates
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Missouri.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and historic details, Missouri real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and modern updates.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Missouri is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Missouri is similarly bike-friendly to Rhode Island.
  • Missouri has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Missouri housing costs are 46% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $243,216 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Missouri have increased by 49%, compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Missouri is 35.88% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
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, Nor'eastersTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGenerally GoodVariable, Urban areas moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F89Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F42Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"20"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Missouri. Missouri gets 6% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Missouri has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Missouri.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Missouri is 7 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Missouri. Missouri receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Missouri

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
Avg. Household Income$81,854$64,811
Cost of Living Index123.391.8
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%0% - 5.4%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.91%
Avg. Sales Tax7%4.225%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Services, EducationAgriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation
AffluenceModerateVariable
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessPrevalentLess Common
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Missouri tend to earn about 21% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Missouri will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in MO is 0% - 5.4% compared to 3.75% - 5.99% in RI
  • The affluence in Missouri is variable compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is higher in Missouri compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is prevalent in Rhode Island and less common in Missouri

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Missouri

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
Political Make-upGenerally Democratic-leaning in federal and statewide elections; Democrats hold most statewide offices and legislative seats.Generally Republican-leaning in federal and statewide elections; Republicans hold most statewide offices and sizable legislative majorities.
Local PoliticsProvidence and many municipalities lean Democratic; suburban and coastal towns vary, with local debates often focused on education funding, housing, and coastal management.Urban cores (St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia) lean Democratic; suburbs are mixed; rural counties are strongly Republican. Local priorities often include agriculture and land use, infrastructure, and public safety.
ReligionNotable Catholic presence alongside Protestant denominations and a growing unaffiliated population.Higher share of Evangelical Protestants than the national average, with Catholic and mainline Protestant communities also present; unaffiliated share growing in metro areas.
  • Rhode Island tends to lean generally Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Missouri, on the other hand, is often described as generally Republican-leaning
  • Missouri's religious environment can be described as having a higher share of Evangelical Protestants than the national average, with Catholic and mainline Protestant communities also present and the unaffiliated share growing in metro areas
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a notable Catholic presence alongside Protestant denominations and a growing unaffiliated population

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Missouri

ComparisonRhode IslandMissouri
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Kingston
Rhode Island College
Providence
Brown University
Providence
University of Missouri
Columbia
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis
Missouri State University
Springfield
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary School
Bristol
Nayatt School
Barrington
Melrose Avenue School
Jamestown
Hawthorn Elementary
Liberty
Ralph M. Captain Elementary
Clayton
Mason Ridge Elementary
St. Louis
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School
Barrington
Archie R. Cole Middle School
East Greenwich
Kickemuit Middle School
Warren
Ladue Middle School
St. Louis
Kirkwood Middle School
Kirkwood
Nipher Middle School
Kirkwood
Top 3 High SchoolsBarrington High School
Barrington
East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
Classical High School
Providence
Ladue Horton Watkins High School
St. Louis
Rockwood Summit High School
Fenton
Liberty North High School
Liberty
Top 3 private high schoolsPortsmouth Abbey School
Portsmouth
St. George's School
Middletown
Providence Country Day
East Providence
John Burroughs School
St. Louis
Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
Thomas Jefferson School
St. Louis
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School
Providence
Wheeler School
Providence
Rocky Hill School
East Greenwich
Whitfield School
St. Louis
Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
Principia School
St. Louis
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
Barrington
East Greenwich School District
East Greenwich
South Kingstown School District
South Kingstown
Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood
Clayton School District
Clayton
Ladue School District
Ladue

How Much Do Rhode Island to Missouri Movers Cost?

Moving 1,225 miles from Rhode Island to Missouri will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,897300 ft3$6.32
1 Bedroom$2,823450 ft3$6.27
2 Bedrooms$4,667750 ft3$6.22
3 Bedrooms$6,7911100 ft3$6.17
4 Bedrooms$9,7971600 ft3$6.12
5+ Bedrooms$10,9321800 ft3$6.07