Thinking about moving to Rhode Island? The state consistently ranks among the top 10 states for healthcare, education, and low crime rate. Plus, with over 300 sunny days and a moderate climate year-round, it is the 7th most popular state to move to in the U.S..
But the move comes with trade-offs. The median home price is over $495,631. Rental costs are also among the highest in the country. Still, many are relocating to cities like Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls for lower living costs and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Rhode Island is the 7th most popular state to move to in the U.S.
- The state has a top-notch education system with around 13 colleges and 420+ schools across the state.
- Rhode Island is one of the safest states, with a violent crime rate of just 2.0 incidents per 1,000 residents.
- Due to its proximity to Boston and New York, commuting is easy in Rhode Island.
- You can expect to pay between $2,190-$6,374 for your move, depending on the size of your belongings.
- Rhode Island has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
4 Reasons to Move to Rhode Island
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Rhode Island, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Education in Rhode Island
Rhode Island serves around 155K students with 34 school districts across the state. Plus, the Ocean State ranks #7 best state for education in the country. Here is what you need to know about education in Rhode Island.
- Public Schools: Rhode Island has around 315 public schools across the state. Top public schools in the state include Barrington High School and Classical High School. Both of these schools are blue ribbon schools and highly recognized for their academic excellence.
- Private Schools: The state is home to 100+ private schools. The Wheeler School and St. George’s School are among the best schools in Rhode Island that are privately owned. The average tuition fee for private schools in Rhode Island is $22,297 per year.
- Higher Education: Brown University in Providence and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston are among the top universities in the state. Both of these universities are highly recognized for their excellence in mathematics, engineering, nursing, and psychology.
2. Low Crime Rate
The Ocean State ranks as the 7th safest state in the country. Rhode Island has low violent crime rates, with just 2.0 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to 4 incidents nationally. Plus, property crime rates in the state are also slightly lower than the national average.
Bristol, South Kingstown, and Cumberland are among the safest places to live in Rhode Island, with an average of 0.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. On the other hand, Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket have the highest crime rates in the state.
3. Proximity to Major Cities
Due to its compact size and strategic location between Boston and New York, commuting from Rhode Island is easy. Depending on your location, Boston is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours drive away, and it takes around 2-3 hours to get to New York by car.
Additionally, there are several train options available. The train from Providence to Boston takes just 46 minutes and costs around $6 for a single trip. However, the train from Providence to New York takes around 3.5 hours and costs between $31-$58 for a single trip.
4. Healthcare in Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks 4th for its robust healthcare system. Around 98% of the residents in the Ocean State are covered by the insurance. Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, both in Providence, are among the top healthcare institutions in the state.
Rhode Island offers several state-funded healthcare programs to help eligible residents. This includes Medicaid, which provides low-cost healthcare coverage for eligible individuals. Plus, Rhode Island Free Clinics provide free healthcare services to eligible adults.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rhode Island
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Rhode Island:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. The state has around 400 miles of scenic coastline, with most of the beaches just a 40-50 minute drive away. | 1. Property tax in Rhode Island is high, with an average effective rate of 1.39% of the market value of your property. |
| 2. The state’s location between Boston and NYC provides easy access to a wider job market. | 2. Due to its compact size, there are limited job options available in the state. |
| 3. The state ranks #4 for its robust healthcare systems with institutions like Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. | 3. The cost of housing and living is significantly higher than the national average. |
| 4. The weather in Rhode Island is usually pleasant, with 300+ days of sunshine. | 4. Being a coastal state, floods, storms, and hurricanes are frequent here. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Rhode Island ✅
Here are the things to keep in mind before relocating to RI:
1. Infrastructure & Transportation
Rhode Island faces several challenges with aging infrastructure. Around 44% of the gas lines in the state are over 50 years old. Plus, over 15% of the bridges in the state were structurally deficient in 2024. These are among the highest numbers in the country.
However, the state is actively working to modernize its infrastructure. The Ocean State is set to receive around $1.8 billion in federal funding over the next 5 years for infrastructural developments.
2. Climate and Weather in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a continental climate, with 4 distinct seasons and 300 days of sunshine. Summers are usually warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 65°F-83°F. On the other hand, winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging between 13°F-37°F.
Being a coastal state, Rhode Island is prone to flooding and hurricanes. The state faces frequent flooding hazards, especially during the spring and summer seasons. Make sure to check if your house is in a designated flood zone before buying a property.
3. Laws & Regulations
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: After moving here, you must register your vehicle and obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license within 30 days. For registration, the TR-1 form, proof of insurance, Proof of VIN, and proof of residency are required.
- Moving to Rhode Island with Guns: No permits or registration are required for purchasing or owning a firearm. However, to carry a handgun, you will need a permit. Keep in mind that obtaining a permit requires undergoing a basic safety course and a 7-day waiting period.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults aged 21 or above can possess up to 1 ounce in public and up to 10 ounces at home. Plus, you can gift up to 1 ounce of marijuana to eligible adults. You can also grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants in your home.
- Pet Registration Laws: All dogs and cats older than 4 months should be vaccinated for rabies and licensed by the local city or town. The pet license fee costs between $6-$7, while rabies vaccination cost ranges between $20-$60, depending on the specific vaccine.
4. High Cost of Living in Rhode Island
The average cost of living in Rhode Island is 12% higher than the national average. This simply means you will spend more on everyday expenses like utilities, food, and groceries.
However, transportation is cheaper, and the cost of healthcare is equal to the national average. Additionally, the average salary of $66K (24.5% higher than the U.S. average) helps offset the high cost of living.
How to Move to Rhode Island?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Rhode Island seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re hiring professional movers, you can expect to pay around $90 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Rhode Island?
Start setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: National Grid is the primary energy provider in Rhode Island. But you can choose other service providers like NextEra Energy and North American Power. The average cost of electricity in RI ranges between ¢17.11 to ¢39.26 per kWh.
- Water and Sewer: Providence Water is the largest water supplier, with over 600,000 users across the state. On the other hand, sewer services are mostly managed by the local municipalities. Visit their respective website to check the availability in your area.
- Internet and Cable: Cox and Verizon are the largest internet and cable service providers in Rhode Island. The average cost of internet and cable in Rhode Island ranges between $20-$50, depending on the package. You can visit their websites to book an appointment.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old before September 1 for kindergarten and 6 for the first grade. You have to provide a birth certificate, proof of residency, Immunization records, and a registration form for enrollment.
- For Older Students: For older children, you will also need the transcripts and a withdrawal form from the previous school in addition to the documents mentioned above.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers and special cases are usually managed by the local school districts in Rhode Island. You can directly contact the school district office or visit their website for specific details on transfers and special cases.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For Remote Job: Rhode Island is an extremely remote work-friendly state. Over 30% of residents work from their homes. If you are also a remote worker and moving to Rhode Island, just ask your employer for state-specific employment and tax laws.
- Find a New Job: The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DTL) offers several resources, including consultation and new job postings. Plus, you can utilize online job boards like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter to search and apply for openings in your area.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
The Rhode Island housing market is highly competitive for buyers. Home prices are up by 9.6%, indicating high demand in the market. This leaves buyers with less negotiating power, as sellers may have multiple offers.
- In popular cities like Providence, Warwick, and Cranston, the average rent ranges between $2,000-$2,250[2], depending on the neighborhood and the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in Bristol cost around $591K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Pawtucket and Woonsocket offer affordable options with median housing costs of $395K[2] and $385K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Rhode Island?
Yes, you should definitely move to Rhode Island. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Rhode Island isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Rhode Island’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Rhode Island is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Rhode Island, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Rhode Island
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Rhode Island, long before the moving boxes are packed.
