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Moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 3.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 21% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Rhode Island
97.2
Massachusetts
98.8
Massachusetts has 1.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 0.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.5 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
28.8 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 2.2% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 33% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,418/mo
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Massachusetts is 30% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 4.2% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Massachusetts
200
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
52
Massachusetts
40
Massachusetts has 23% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Rhode Island
0
Massachusetts
0
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 35% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than Rhode Island?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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