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Rhode Island to New York Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 248 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to New York? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs New York across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs more job opportunities), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Bagels), real estate & housing (colonial vs diverse, from brownstones to modern high-rises), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Rhode Island Style Calamari, but get your taste buds ready for Bagels & Beef Pastrami Sandwich
  • New York housing costs are 2% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in New York is 20.04% more expensive than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to New York will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to New York movers is JP Urban Moving

Rhode Island to New York Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to New York

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Limited job market
  • Small city size
  • Lack of nightlife
  • Fewer cultural events
ProsNew York iconNew York
  • More job opportunities
  • Vibrant city life
  • Thriving nightlife
  • Diverse cultural scene

New York iconNew York
  • Hustle and bustle
  • Higher expenses
  • Overcrowded spaces
  • Higher stress levels
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Peaceful living
  • Lower cost of living
  • Smaller communities
  • Local charm

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to New York

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to more job opportunities
  • Look forward to moving away from small city size and moving to New York with vibrant city life
  • Swap the lack of nightlife of Rhode Island for thriving nightlife in New York
  • Get ready for a diverse cultural scene in New York

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to New York

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from peaceful living in Rhode Island to live with hustle and bustle in New York
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to smaller communities and get used to overcrowded spaces in New York
  • Swap local charm for higher stress levels

Rhode Island vs. New York: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Bagels
Most popular meat dishRhode Island Style CalamariBeef Pastrami Sandwich
Most popular street food itemHot WienersPizza
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SandwichImpossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Katz's Deli
  • Di An Di
  • Per Se
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 New York, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Bagels of New York. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Rhode Island Style Calamari and sumptuous Hot Wieners, New York residents know they have tasty Beef Pastrami Sandwich and Pizza 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 Impossible Burger of New York. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The Den, and Hemenway's. After the boxes are unpacked in New York, don't wait too long before making your way to New York's acclaimed eateries like Katz's Deli, Di An Di, and Per Se.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and New York

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
Typical Architecture StyleColonialDiverse, from Brownstones to Modern High-rises
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 listingBeachfront, Quiet neighborhoodsPublic transportation access, Central location
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the diverse range of architecture, from Brownstones to modern high-rises, typical of New York.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference beachfront and quiet neighborhoods, New York real estate listings often highlight features like public transportation access and central locations.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New York is more walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New York is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • New York has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • New York housing costs are 2% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $460,812 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New York have increased by 36% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in New York is 20.04% more expensive than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
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'eastersHurricanes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F38Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"49.9"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"25"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to New York. New York gets 11% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • New York 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 hurricanes and blizzards in New York.
  • The average summer high temperature in New York is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in New York. New York receives 2.9 more inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and New York

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
Avg. Household Income$81,854$79,557
Cost of Living Index123.3102.8
State Income Tax3.75%8.82%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%1.71%
Avg. Sales Tax7%8.5%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingFinance, Media, International Trade
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowSignificant
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New York tend to earn about 3% less than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in New York will be 17% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in NY is 8.82% compared to 3.75% in RI
  • The affluence in New York is high compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is moderate in New York compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and significant in New York

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. New York

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal on social issuesProgressive stances in urban areas; mixed in rural
ReligionMajority Catholic; significant Jewish communitiesDiverse; strong Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant presence
  • Rhode Island tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
  • New York, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
  • New York's religious environment can be described as diverse with a strong Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant presence
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Catholic with significant Jewish communities

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to New York

ComparisonRhode IslandNew York
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Community School (Cumberland)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
PS 77 Lower Lab School (New York City)
PS 234 Independence School (New York City)
Success Academy Charter School-Cobble Hill (Brooklyn)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School (Barrington)
Lincoln School (Providence)
East Greenwich Middle School (East Greenwich)
East Side Middle School (New York City)
Success Academy Harlem 1 (New York City)
Rye Neck Middle School (Mamaroneck)
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
Stuyvesant High School (New York City)
Bronx High School of Science (Bronx)
Scarsdale Senior High School (Scarsdale)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
Middlebridge School (Narragansett)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Horace Mann School (Bronx)
Trinity School (New York City)
Riverdale Country School (Bronx)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School (Providence)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
Wheeler School (Providence)
Collegiate School (New York City)
Trinity School (New York City)
Riverdale Country School (Bronx)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Great Neck Public Schools (North Shore of Long Island)
Scarsdale Union Free School District (Westchester County)
Syosset Central School District (Long Island)

How Much Do Rhode Island to New York Movers Cost?

Moving 248 miles from Rhode Island to New York 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,142300 ft3$3.81
1 Bedroom$1,693450 ft3$3.76
2 Bedrooms$2,790750 ft3$3.72
3 Bedrooms$4,0461100 ft3$3.68
4 Bedrooms$5,8171600 ft3$3.64
5+ Bedrooms$6,4671800 ft3$3.59

Top Rhode Island to New York Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Urban Moving featured image

JP Urban Moving

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to New York

9.85/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metropolis Moving featured image

Metropolis Moving

9.72/10
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 New York Routes

Providence to New York