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Moving from Montana to Rhode Island

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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
Montana
94.6
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 8.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 25% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 1.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 122% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 7.1% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 11% more expensive 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
Montana
83°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 57% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 16% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 2.4% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 223% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 14% lower AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 27% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaRhode 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 Montana?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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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