Rhode Island to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Virginia

ConsRhode Island

• High cost of living
• Limited job market
• Cold, snowy winters
• Limited outdoor activities
• Dense population

ProsVirginia

• Lower cost of living
• Diverse job opportunities
• Milder winters
• Rich outdoor options
• More spacious living

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Virginia

• Fewer beaches
• Newer settlements
• Larger metropolitan areas
• Less seafood variety
• Different cultural dynamics

Rhode Island

• Coastal beauty
• Rich colonial history
• Close-knit communities
• Renowned seafood
• Established cultural events

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from the limited job market and moving to Virginia with diverse job opportunities
• Swap the cold, snowy winters of Rhode Island for the milder winters in Virginia
• Get ready for rich outdoor options in Virginia

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal beauty in Rhode Island to live with fewer beaches in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich colonial history and have to settle for the con of newer settlements
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to the larger metropolitan areas in Virginia
• Swap the renowned seafood for less seafood variety

Rhode Island vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Rhode Island to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Virginia residents know they have tasty Barbecue Pulled Pork and Chesapeake Crab Cakes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Portobello Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Brunswick Stew of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, and Hemenway's Seafood Grill and Oyster Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Shack, Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria, and Pupatella.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Virginia

• The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings, which commonly reference waterfront and historic charm, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to military bases.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Virginia is less walkable than Rhode Island.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Virginia is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
• Virginia has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
• Virginia housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
• Rent in Virginia is 12.07% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Virginia. Virginia gets 4% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
• Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and infrequent hurricanes in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, which are more frequent, and rare earthquakes in Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 5 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
• The average winter lows in Virginia are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 5% more than in Rhode Island
• The COLI in Virginia will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
• The state income tax in VA is 2% to 5.75% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
• The affluence in Virginia is moderate compared to moderate in Rhode Island
• The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to moderate in Rhode Island
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Virginia

• Rhode Island tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with both liberal and conservative areas
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a large Christian population that includes Evangelicals, followed by other faiths
• Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic, followed by Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Virginia

How Much Do Rhode Island to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 573 miles from Rhode Island to Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.