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Moving from Rhode Island to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

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.

KY state flag
Moving to

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

Kentucky has an overall price level 90.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 39% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Kentucky
97.5
Kentucky has 3.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Kentucky
98.5
Kentucky has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 50% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Kentucky
98.0
Kentucky has 2.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 50% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 18% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Kentucky
87°F
Kentucky is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 18% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 11% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 5.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 2.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 33% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 76% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandKentucky 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 Kentucky than Rhode Island?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (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. Kentucky tops out at 3.5%.

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

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

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