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Rhode Island to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 649 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, cottage vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies and Clam Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & West Virginia Hot Dog
  • West Virginia housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in West Virginia is 52% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to West Virginia movers is Country Roads Moving LLC

Rhode Island to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to West Virginia

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Busy coastal cities
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Limited land space
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Affordable housing
  • Quiet rural life
  • Smoother commutes
  • Scenic mountain views

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Far from the coast
  • Fewer top-ranked schools
  • Limited healthcare options
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Cultural diversity
  • Proximity to beaches
  • Renowned educational institutions
  • Comprehensive healthcare

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from busy coastal cities and moving to West Virginia with its quiet rural life
  • Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Rhode Island for smoother commutes in West Virginia
  • Get ready for scenic mountain views in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural diversity in Rhode Island to live with fewer cultural events in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to beaches and have to settle for the con of being far from the coast
  • Time to bid farewell to renowned educational institutions and get used to fewer top-ranked schools in West Virginia
  • Swap comprehensive healthcare for limited healthcare options

Rhode Island vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemStuffiesPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishClam CakesWest Virginia Hot Dog
Most popular street food itemDoughboysPepperoni Roll
Most popular vegan foodGrilled PizzaMushroom and Greens Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pies & Pints
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Bluegrass Kitchen
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 West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Doughboys, West Virginia residents know they have tasty West Virginia Hot Dogs and Pepperoni Rolls 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 Mushroom and Greens Bowl of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway's, and Mount Hope Farm. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Pies & Pints, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Bluegrass Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and West Virginia

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CottageRanch, 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 listingProximity to beaches, Historic charmNatural beauty, Spacious land
  • The Colonial and Cottage architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and historic charm, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like natural beauty and spacious land.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 52% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
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, BlizzardsFlooding, Landslides
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F41Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33.5"62"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • West Virginia has higher 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 flooding and landslides in West Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in West Virginia 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 neglected in West Virginia, as it receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and West Virginia

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$81,854$54,329
Cost of Living Index123.395
State Income Tax3.75-5.993.0-6.5
Avg. Property Tax1.630.59
Avg. Sales Tax7.06.0
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingCoal, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessManageablePressing
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 34% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 23% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in WV is 3.0-6.5 compared to 3.75-5.99 in RI
  • The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to low in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Rhode Island and pressing in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. West Virginia

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
Political Make-upDemocraticRepublican
Local PoliticsLiberal on social issuesConservative on social issues
ReligionPrimarily CatholicPrimarily Protestant
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to West Virginia

ComparisonRhode IslandWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Providence College
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Bristol
Hamilton Elementary
North Kingstown
Nayatt School
Barrington
Suncrest Primary School
Morgantown
North Elementary School
Morgantown
Jennings Randolph Elementary School
Elkins
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle School
Barrington
Wickford Middle School
North Kingstown
Gallup Hill School
Ledyard
Mountaineer Middle School
Morgantown
Bridgeport Middle School
Bridgeport
Charles Town Middle School
Charles Town
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School
Providence
Barrington High School
Barrington
East Greenwich High School
East Greenwich
George Washington High School
Charleston
Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport
Morgantown High School
Morgantown
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School
Providence
St. George's School
Middletown
Lincoln School
Providence
The Linsly School
Wheeling
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWheeler School
Providence
Moses Brown School
Providence
Lincoln School
Providence
The Linsly School
Wheeling
Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg
Trinity Christian School
Morgantown
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
East Greenwich Public Schools
North Kingstown School District
Monongalia County Schools
Kanawha County Schools
Jefferson County Schools

How Much Do Rhode Island to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 649 miles from Rhode Island to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Country Roads Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,570300 ft3$5.23
1 Bedroom$2,333450 ft3$5.18
2 Bedrooms$3,851750 ft3$5.13
3 Bedrooms$5,5931100 ft3$5.08
4 Bedrooms$8,0561600 ft3$5.03
5+ Bedrooms$8,9731800 ft3$4.98

Top Rhode Island to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to West Virginia

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Abates Moving Services LLC

Abates Moving Services LLC

8.53/10
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 West Virginia Routes

Providence to West Virginia