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Moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

RI state flag
Moving to

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Median household income $81,854 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

Rhode Island has an overall price level 102.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Massachusetts
105.8
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 3.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 18% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 0.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 0.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 1.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 25% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 30% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 4.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Rhode Island
200
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 24% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 26% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsRhode Island report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island than Massachusetts?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% income tax. Rhode Island tops out at 5.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Rhode Island?

Most Rhode Island residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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