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Moving from Rhode Island to Hawaii

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

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.

HI state flag
Moving to

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

Hawaii has an overall price level 110.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Hawaii
110.0
Hawaii has 7.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Hawaii
125.3
Hawaii has 19% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Hawaii
102.5
Hawaii has 1.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Hawaii
101.5
Hawaii has 1.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Hawaii has 41% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Hawaii
102.0
Hawaii has 1.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Hawaii
$875,900
Hawaii is 92% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Hawaii is 52% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Hawaii
87°F
Hawaii is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Hawaii
65°F
Hawaii is 195% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Hawaii
72°F
Hawaii is 42% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Hawaii
271
Hawaii has 36% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Hawaii
57 in
Hawaii is 16% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Hawaii
17
Hawaii has 53% lower AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Hawaii
0 in
Hawaii is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandHawaii 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 Hawaii than Rhode Island?

Hawaii's overall price level is roughly 113.2 (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. Hawaii tops out at 11%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Hawaii?

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

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