Moving To State • Rhode Island

Moving to Rhode Island: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Rhode Island? You’re in good company. The Ocean State draws people in with its energetic cities like Providence and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Rhode Island has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Rhode Island so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Rhode Island information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to RI
Top car shippers to RI
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Rhode Island

While relocating to Rhode Island offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Ocean State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Rhode Island

✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Delicious seafood
✓Rich history
✓Amazing beaches
✓Short drives

Cons of living in Rhode Island

✖High cost of living
✖Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
✖Smallest state
✖Cold winters
✖Dense population

Things to do in Rhode Island

No matter why you’re relocating to Rhode Island—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Rhode Island is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Rhode Island

Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs
Newport Cliff Walk
The Breakers, Newport
WaterFire Providence
Rough Point
The Providence Athenaeum
The Elms
Blithewold Mansion & Gardens
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence Children’s Museum

Museums in Rhode Island

The Breakers
Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
Providence Children’s Museum
John Brown House Museum
Old Slater Mill
Newport Car Museum
Providence Art Club
Lippitt House Museum
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Green Animals Topiary Gardens

Parks in Rhode Island

Water Place Park
Roger Williams Park
Goddard State Park
India Point Park
Fort Adams State Park
Dunes Park
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Prospect Terrace
Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
Burlingame State Park

Fun facts about Rhode Island

Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Rhode Island shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.

Rhode Island has the longest official name of any state, the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” In 2009, a referendum proposed eradicating the latter half of the name. However, people voted to keep the name intact. Despite the name, Rhode Island is not an island. It is composed of many of them.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation while Alaska is the largest. It could be fitted into Alaska 425 times. Rhode Island is the second-most densely populated state in the U.S.
Dutch explorer Adrian Block named the state “Roodt Eylandt” meaning “red island” in reference to the red clay that lined the shore. However, when the region came under British rule, the name was anglicized.
Rhode Island is nicknamed the “Ocean state” because one can get to the ocean from anywhere in the state in less than an hour’s drive – the state is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long.
The state also has the nation’s oldest one-room schoolhouse. It is in Portsmouth. The school house was built in 1716.
The American straw hat industry was launched by a 12-year-old Betsey Metcalf in 1798 when she started making inexpensive straw hats.
Bristol is home to the oldest continuous 4th of July parade known as “Bristol Fourth of July Parade,” or “Bristol Fourth of July Celebration.” It started in 1785.
America’s first circus was hosted in Newport. Performed on May 23, 1774, the visitors paid $0.25 to see Christopher Gardener ride a horse—while standing on his head!
The first National Lawn Tennis Championship (the precursor to the U.S. Open) was held in Rhode Island in 1899. The state is also home to the Tennis Hall of Fame.
The first NFL game at night was hosted in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Rhode Island, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Ocean State.

A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Rhode Island, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Rhode Island
Population	1,093,734
Female	51.%
Male	49%
College graduation rate	36.5%
Political leaning	Democratic 56-44
Crime index	14.58

Rhode Island weather

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Rhode Island is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Rhode Island’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Rhode Island
Summer high	82ºF
Winter low	19ºF
Annual rain	50″
Annual snow	35″

Income and cost of living in Rhode Island

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Rhode Island really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Rhode Island brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($8.7 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($8 billion)
Professional and business services ($7.8 billion)
Finance and insurance ($5.8 billion)
Manufacturing ($5.1 billion)
Wholesale trade ($3.6 billion)
Retail trade ($3.3 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($3 billion)
Construction ($2.4 billiion)
Information ($1.5 billion)

Metric	Rhode Island
Average rent cost	$1,195
Average home cost	$467,485
Average income (per capita)	$81,370
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	4.6%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.99%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Rhode Island

If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Rhode Island deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Rhode Island:

Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island College
Johnson and Wales University
Bryant University
Roger Williams University
Providence College
Salve Regina University
New England Institute of Technology

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Rhode Island

We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 10 right here in Rhode Island—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Ocean State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Rhode Island

Before you take the leap to Rhode Island, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Rhode Island

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Rhode Island.

Rhode Island car insurance requirements

When moving to Rhode Island, make sure to get car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. This includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Rhode Island also requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage for full protection.

Rhode Island drivers license requirements

If you are relocating to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to get a Rhode Island driver’s license. You’ll need to show proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. Documents like a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card will work.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Rhode Island?

Moving to Rhode Island is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Rhode Island is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Rhode Island?

On the cost of living index, Rhode Island has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Rhode Island?

The average income in RI is $81,370, and the an unemployment rate is 4.6. Home prices are $467,485, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,195.

What is the downside of living in Rhode Island?

Like any place, Rhode Island has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Ocean State include:

High cost of living
Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
Smallest state
Cold winters
Dense population

Rhode Island Moving Resources

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