Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to RI
There are many factors that influence
Alabama moving costs.
The cost to move from Alabama to Rhode Island will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from AL to RI
If you’re moving to Rhode Island from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Rhode Island
|
Alabama |
Rhode Island |
Average rent cost |
$925 |
$1,195 |
Average home cost |
$227,508 |
$467,485 |
Average income (per capita) |
$59,609 |
$81,370 |
Cost of Living Index |
88 |
100 |
Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
4.6% |
Average Sales Tax |
9.22% |
7.0% |
State Income Tax |
5.0% |
5.99% |
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Rent is about 29% more expensive in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
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Home prices are about 105% higher in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
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The average income is about 37% higher in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
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Cost of living is 14% lower in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
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Rhode Island has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 59%.
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Sales taxes are 24% lower in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
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Income taxes are 20% higher in Rhode Island than in Alabama.
How life is different in Rhode Island vs. Alabama
|
Rhode Island |
Alabama |
Population |
1,093,734 |
5,108,468 |
Political leaning |
Democratic 56-44 |
Republican 65-35 |
Summer high |
82ºF |
91ºF |
Winter low |
19ºF |
33ºF |
Annual rain |
50" |
56" |
Annual snow |
35" |
1" |
Crime index |
14.58 |
21.48 |
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The population of Rhode Island is approximately 79% lower than the population of Alabama.
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In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and Alabama voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF
and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF
and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
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You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
-
In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually
versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
-
Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than Alabama with a crime index
of 14.58 vs. 21.48.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Rhode Island
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Rhode Island compared to Alabama.
Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Rhode Island |
Low cost of living |
Beautiful landscapes |
Tasty southern comfort food |
Delicious seafood |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Rich history |
Top-notch college football |
Amazing beaches |
Rich history |
Short drives |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Rhode Island
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Rhode Island.
Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Rhode Island |
Poor quality of life |
High cost of living |
Severe weather |
Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
Restrictive alcohol laws |
Smallest state |
Poor healthcare |
Cold winters |
Cockroaches |
Dense population |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to Rhode Island move
- Weather: Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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State licensing:
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry.
The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current.
To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Rhode Island moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Rhode Island.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Rhode Island
While you’re in Rhode Island, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- 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
- RISD Museum of Art
- Bellevue Avenue Historic District
- Narragansett Bay Beaches
- Colt State Park
- Benefit Street and John Brown House
- Herreshoff Marine Museum
- Fort Adams State Park
- Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
- International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Misquamicut State Beach
- Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
- National Museum of American Illustration
- Naval War College Museum
- McCoy Stadium
- Adventureland Family Fun Park
- Rhode Island State House
- Living Sharks Museum
- Bowen’s Wharf
- Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Newport Car Museum
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Rhode Island?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Rhode Island?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Alabama to Rhode Island
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Rhode Island?
The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Rhode Island are the amazing upsides of living in Rhode Island such as
beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Rhode Island?
It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in Rhode Island.
Housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 23% less
and home prices 51% lower than in Rhode Island.
Taxes are also lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 10% less than those paid by
Rhode Island residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island?
You should make approximately $78,746 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Rhode Island.
The cost of living in Rhode Island is approximately $3,497 per month for an individual and $5,313 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Rhode Island you live
For example, larger cities like Providence and Warwick will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources