Vermont to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Updated June 4, 2025

Planning a 275 mile interstate move from Vermont to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in Vermont vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Maple Syrup vs Clam Cakes), real estate & housing (colonial, farmhouse vs colonial, cottage), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Maple Syrup and Vermont Cheddar Cheeseburger, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Cakes & Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)
- Rhode Island housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in Vermont
- Rent in Rhode Island is 1.19% more expensive than in Vermont
- Moving from Vermont to Rhode Island will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Vermont to Rhode Island movers is Lowell's Moving & Storage
Vermont to Rhode Island Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Vermont to Rhode Island
- Harsh winters
- Rural settings
- Limited coastline
- Remote locations
- Milder climate
- Urban conveniences
- Beautiful beaches
- Proximity to cities
- Less open space
- Higher population density
- More urban sprawl
- Higher crime rates
- Pristine nature
- Close-knit communities
- Charming small towns
- Low crime rates
Pros of moving from Vermont to Rhode Island
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from rural settings and moving to Rhode Island with urban conveniences
- Swap the limited coastline of Vermont for beautiful beaches in Rhode Island
- Get ready for proximity to cities in Rhode Island
Cons of moving from Vermont to Rhode Island
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from pristine nature in Vermont to live with less open space in Rhode Island
- You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of higher population density
- Time to bid farewell to charming small towns and get used to more urban sprawl in Rhode Island
- Swap low crime rates for higher crime rates
Vermont vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Maple Syrup | Clam Cakes |
Most popular meat dish | Vermont Cheddar Cheeseburger | Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) |
Most popular street food item | Maple Creemee | Hot Wieners |
Most popular vegan food | Maple Roasted Vegetables | Del's Lemonade |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Vermont to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Maple Syrup of Vermont for the equally delicious Clam Cakes of Rhode Island. And while the locals in Vermont rave about their flavorful Vermont Cheddar Cheeseburger and sumptuous Maple Creemee, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Maple Roasted Vegetables they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Del's Lemonade of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Vermont eateries like Hen of the Wood, The Burlington Beer Company, and The Alchemist. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Al Forno, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and Coggeshall Farm Museum.
When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Vermont. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Rhode Island, compared to what you are used to in Vermont. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Rhode Island.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Vermont and Rhode Island
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Farmhouse | Colonial, Cottage |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Natural scenery, Proximity to ski resorts | Coastal views, Access to beaches |
- The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Vermont is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Rhode Island.
- Compared to Vermont's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and proximity to ski resorts, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like coastal views and access to beaches.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than Vermont.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than Vermont.
- Rhode Island has more of an urban feel than Vermont.
- Rhode Island housing costs are 19% more expensive than they are in Vermont, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to Vermontβs $381,042.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 50% increase in Vermont.
- Rent in Rhode Island is 1.19% more expensive than in Vermont.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Vermont and Rhode Island
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 79Β°F / 55Β°F | 82Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 27Β°F / 10Β°F | 39Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36.5" | 47.98" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 89" | 33.8" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Vermont to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 28% more sunshine days than Vermont.
- Rhode Island has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Vermont.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Vermont, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Rhode Island.
- The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees warmer than in Vermont.
- The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Vermont.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 11.5 more inches of rain compared to Vermont.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Vermont and Rhode Island
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $73,991 | $81,854 |
Cost of Living Index | 120.5 | 123.3 |
State Income Tax | 6.6% | 5.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.86% | 1.66% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing | Health Services, Education, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 11% more than those in Vermont
- The COLI in Rhode Island will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Vermont
- The state income tax in RI is 5.99% compared to 6.6% in VT
- The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to moderate in Vermont
- The poverty level is moderate in Rhode Island compared to moderate in Vermont
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Vermont and moderate in Rhode Island
Political and Religious Climate in Vermont vs. Rhode Island
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
Local Politics | Focus on environmental issues, healthcare | Emphasis on education, healthcare |
Religion | Less religious overall | Highly Catholic |
- Vermont tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
- Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
- Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as highly Catholic
- Vermont's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall
Education Guide When Moving from Vermont to Rhode Island
Comparison | Vermont | Rhode Island |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Vermont Saint Michael's College Middlebury College | Brown University University of Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Jericho Elementary School (Jericho) Marion Cross School (Norwich) Richmond Elementary School (Richmond) | Rockwell Elementary School (Bristol) Nayatt School (Barrington) Community Elementary School (Cumberland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Shelburne Community School (Shelburne) Williston Central School (Williston) Camel's Hump Middle School (Richmond) | Barrington Middle School (Barrington) Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown) Portsmouth Middle School (Portsmouth) |
Top 3 High School Schools | South Burlington High School (South Burlington) Champlain Valley Union High School (Hinesburg) St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury) | Classical High School (Providence) Barrington High School (Barrington) East Greenwich High School (East Greenwich) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Putney School (Putney) Vermont Academy (Saxtons River) St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury) | Moses Brown School (Providence) The Wheeler School (Providence) St. George's School (Middletown) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Putney School (Putney) Vermont Academy (Saxtons River) Stratton Mountain School (Stratton Mountain) | Moses Brown School (Providence) The Wheeler School (Providence) Lincoln School (Providence) |
Top 3 School Districts | South Burlington School District Champlain Valley School District Essex Westford School District | Barrington School District East Greenwich School District North Kingstown School District |
How Much Do Vermont to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
Moving 275 miles from Vermont to Rhode Island 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,358 | 300 ft3 | $4.53 |
1 Bedroom | $2,015 | 450 ft3 | $4.48 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,321 | 750 ft3 | $4.43 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,816 | 1100 ft3 | $4.38 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,925 | 1600 ft3 | $4.33 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,700 | 1800 ft3 | $4.28 |
Top Vermont to Rhode Island Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Vermont to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Lowell's Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Vermont to Rhode Island