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Moving from North Carolina to Rhode Island

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast. vs. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

NC state flag
Living now

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

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
North Carolina
94.3
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 8.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Carolina
81.4
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 30% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.6
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 2.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Carolina
99.1
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Carolina
16 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 87% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.9
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 1.6% higher transportation
Median home value
North Carolina
$333,000
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 37% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Carolina
$1,274/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 19% 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
North Carolina
88°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 6.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Carolina
30°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 27% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
North Carolina
59°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Carolina
213
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 6.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Carolina
50 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 1.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Carolina
38
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 5.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
North Carolina
6 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 517% more annual snowfall

Get the full North CarolinaRhode Island report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island than North Carolina?

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

North Carolina tops out at 3.99% 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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