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Rhode Island to Vermont Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 276 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Vermont? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Vermont across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing prices), food & health (like Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) vs Maple Syrup), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs cape cod, farmhouse), 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 Maple Syrup & Maple Glazed Ham
  • Vermont housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Vermont is 1.18% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Vermont will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Vermont movers is Lowell's Moving & Storage

Rhode Island to Vermont Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Vermont

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Overcrowded beaches
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Busy urban areas
  • Dense traffic
ProsVermont iconVermont
  • Lower housing prices
  • Abundant natural spaces
  • Excellent skiing options
  • Quieter rural lifestyle
  • Less congestion

Vermont iconVermont
  • Remote location
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Limited gourmet options
  • Harsh winters
  • Less diversity
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Cultural attractions
  • Established dining scene
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse communities

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Vermont

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower housing prices
  • Look forward to moving away from overcrowded beaches and moving to Vermont with abundant natural spaces
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Rhode Island for excellent skiing options in Vermont
  • Get ready for a quieter rural lifestyle in Vermont

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Vermont

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the proximity to NYC in Rhode Island to live with a remote location in Vermont
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural attractions and have to settle for the con of fewer entertainment options
  • Time to bid farewell to the established dining scene and get used to limited gourmet options in Vermont
  • Swap the mild climate for harsh winters

Rhode Island vs. Vermont: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Maple Syrup
Most popular meat dishClam CakesMaple Glazed Ham
Most popular street food itemHot WienersApple Cider Doughnuts
Most popular vegan foodGrilled PizzaMaple and Apple Vegan Sausage
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Olneyville New York System
  • The Mooring
  • Hen of The Wood
  • Prohibition Pig
  • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
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 Vermont, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Maple Syrup of Vermont. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Vermont residents know they have tasty Maple Glazed Ham and Apple Cider Doughnuts 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 Maple and Apple Vegan Sausage of Vermont. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Olneyville New York System, and The Mooring. After the boxes are unpacked in Vermont, don't wait too long before making your way to Vermont's acclaimed eateries like Hen of The Wood, Prohibition Pig, and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Vermont

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCape Cod, Farmhouse
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 listingCoastal views, Proximity to beachesMountain views, Rural charm
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Farmhouse architecture typical of Vermont.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference coastal views and proximity to beaches, Vermont real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and rural charm.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Vermont is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Vermont is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Vermont has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Vermont housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $381,042 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Vermont have increased by 50% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Vermont is 1.18% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
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, floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F79Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F31Β°F / 10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4742
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3389
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Vermont. Vermont gets 21% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Vermont has higher humidity and a lower 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 floods in Vermont.
  • The average summer high temperature in Vermont is 3 degrees colder than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Vermont. Vermont receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Vermont

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
Avg. Household Income$81,854$73,991
Cost of Living Index123.3120.5
State Income Tax3.75-5.993.35-8.75
Avg. Property Tax1.631.86
Avg. Sales Tax7.006.00
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingHealthcare, Education, Tourism
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessManageableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Vermont tend to earn about 10% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Vermont is 2% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in VT is 3.35-8.75 compared to 3.75-5.99 in RI
  • The affluence in Vermont is varied compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is low in Vermont compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Rhode Island and low in Vermont

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Vermont

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic LeaningLiberal/Democratic Leaning
Local PoliticsStrong Democratic Presence in Urban AreasProgressive Politics, especially in Burlington
ReligionPredominantly CatholicLess Religiously Affiliated
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Vermont, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
  • Vermont's religious environment can be described as less Religiously Affiliated
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Vermont

ComparisonRhode IslandVermont
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of Vermont
Middlebury College
Champlain College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary School (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Marion Cross School (Norwich)
Thatcher Brook Primary School (Waterbury)
Shelburne Community School (Shelburne)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Portsmouth Middle School (Portsmouth)
Shelburne Community School (Shelburne)
Charlotte Central School (Charlotte)
Williston Central School (Williston)
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich)
South Burlington High School (South Burlington)
Champlain Valley Union High School (Hinesburg)
St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury)
The Putney School (Putney)
Burr and Burton Academy (Manchester)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
The Greenwood School (Putney)
Thaddeus Stevens School (Lyndonville)
The Long Trail School (Dorset)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
East Greenwich School District
Cumberland School District
South Burlington School District
Champlain Valley School District
Essex Westford School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Vermont Movers Cost?

Moving 276 miles from Rhode Island to Vermont will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Lowell's Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,359300 ft3$4.53
1 Bedroom$2,016450 ft3$4.48
2 Bedrooms$3,322750 ft3$4.43
3 Bedrooms$4,8181100 ft3$4.38
4 Bedrooms$6,9281600 ft3$4.33
5+ Bedrooms$7,7041800 ft3$4.28

Top Rhode Island to Vermont Movers

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

TOP PICK
Lowell's Moving & Storage featured image

Lowell's Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Vermont

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Grunts Move Junk featured image

Grunts Move Junk

8.67/10
FabulousView 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 Vermont Routes

Providence to Vermont