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Moving from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 4.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 24% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 43% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 0.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 64% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 2.4% 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 3.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 1.6% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 13% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 10% lower AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 14% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaRhode 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 Pennsylvania?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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