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Moving from Rhode Island to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

RI state flag
Living now

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

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

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 · EIA electricity · Census ACS 2024 (live) state-level

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 7.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 47% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 1.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 16% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 61% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 85% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 7.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 13% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 1.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 9.2% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 31% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 70% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Rhode Island?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Rhode Island — 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?

Rhode Island tops out at 5.99% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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