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Moving from Rhode Island to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 6.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 15% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Rhode Island
97.2
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 0.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
28.3 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 2.0% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,418/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 2.4% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Idaho
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 9.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Idaho
199
Idaho has 0.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 65% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
30
Idaho
24
Idaho has 20% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Rhode Island
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 38% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandIdaho report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Idaho than Rhode Island?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (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. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

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

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

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