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Rhode Island to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 1,120 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Calamari vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs prairie & bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Calamari and Stuffies (Stuffed Clams), but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 39.93% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Rhode Island vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemCalamariCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishStuffies (Stuffed Clams)Bratwurst
Most popular street food itemClam CakesFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed saladBeer-battered portobello mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • The Duck and Bunny
  • Los Andes
  • AJ Bombers
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Grand Geneva Cafe
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Calamari of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and sumptuous Clam Cakes, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer-battered Portobello Mushrooms of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The Duck and Bunny, and Los Andes. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like AJ Bombers, Lakefront Brewery, and Grand Geneva Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Wisconsin

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianPrairie & Bungalow
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 listingOcean views, historic detailsLake access, spacious yards
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Bungalow architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and historic details, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and spacious yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Wisconsin is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 39.93% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
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, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F82Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F28Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"32"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a higher 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 tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is the same as Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin as it receives 15 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Wisconsin

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$81,854$70,996
Cost of Living Index123.395.65
State Income Tax3.75%4.00%
Avg. Property Tax1.62%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax7.00%5.43%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyLowLower
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 13% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 22% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in WI is 4.00% compared to 3.75% in RI
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is average compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is lower in Wisconsin compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningSwing state
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesMixture of conservative and liberal policies
ReligionLargely CatholicMixed; Protestant and Catholic
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as mixed; Protestant and Catholic
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Wisconsin

ComparisonRhode IslandWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Brown University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community School (Cumberland)
Shorewood Hills Elementary (Madison)
Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton)
Swallow School (Hartland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Lincoln Middle School (Lincoln)
Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Top 3 High School SchoolsClassical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)
Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay)
Middleton High (Middleton)
Brookfield East High (Brookfield)
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)
Wheeler School (Providence)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)
Rocky Hill Country Day School (East Greenwich)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Prairie School (Racine)
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 1,120 miles from Rhode Island to Wisconsin 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,837300 ft3$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,734450 ft3$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,519750 ft3$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5721100 ft3$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4801600 ft3$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5751800 ft3$5.87

Top Rhode Island to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
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 Wisconsin Routes

Providence to Wisconsin