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Rhode Island to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 1,084 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs colonial revival, 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 Barbecue Ribs & Pulled Pork
  • Tennessee housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Tennessee is 19.24% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Tennessee will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Rhode Island to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Tennessee

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Small state size
  • Dense population
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Growing job market
  • Vast landscapes
  • More open spaces

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • No coastline
  • Less historical sites
  • Fewer close-knit areas
  • Less diversity
  • Different local cuisine
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Coastal views
  • Rich history
  • Close-knit communities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Seafood cuisine

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Tennessee with the lower cost of living
  • Swap the limited job opportunities of Rhode Island for the growing job market in Tennessee
  • Get ready for vast landscapes in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal views in Rhode Island to live with no coastline in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to fewer close-knit areas in Tennessee
  • Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

Rhode Island vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Barbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishClam CakesPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemHot WienersSmoked Sausage
Most popular vegan foodSeitan StewBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Flotsam Seafood
  • Landmark Wichery
  • Harbor Light Dining
  • MoonShine Grill
  • Southern Comfort Dine
  • Riverside BBQ
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 Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Smoked Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Flotsam Seafood, Landmark Wichery, and Harbor Light Dining. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like MoonShine Grill, Southern Comfort Dine, and Riverside BBQ.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Tennessee

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianColonial Revival, 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 listingClose to water, Historic charmSpacious lots, Scenic views
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to water and historic charm, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the past 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 19.24% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
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, BlizzardsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F89Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39Β°F / 23Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"53"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)35"6"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 2% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 7 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Tennessee

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
Avg. Household Income$81,854$65,254
Cost of Living Index123.388.9
State Income Tax3.75%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingAutomotive, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 20% less than those in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is varied compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is higher in Tennessee compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and higher in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Tennessee

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsLiberalConservative
ReligionMajority CatholicMajority Protestant
  • Rhode Island tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as majority Protestant
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Tennessee

ComparisonRhode IslandTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Brown University
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Lockeland Design Center (Nashville)
New Hope Christian Academy (Memphis)
Trinity Elementary (Franklin)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Portsmouth Middle School (Portsmouth)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)
Top 3 High School SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
The Webb School (Bell Buckle)
The McCallie School (Chattanooga)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
East Greenwich Public Schools
Portsmouth School District
Williamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 1,084 miles from Rhode Island to Tennessee will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,817300 ft3$6.06
1 Bedroom$2,703450 ft3$6.01
2 Bedrooms$4,468750 ft3$5.96
3 Bedrooms$6,4971100 ft3$5.91
4 Bedrooms$9,3711600 ft3$5.86
5+ Bedrooms$10,4521800 ft3$5.81

Top Rhode Island to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Tennessee

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details