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Moving from Rhode Island to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Montana
94.6
Montana has 7.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Montana
84.6
Montana has 20% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 6.6% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 10% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 36% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Montana
205
Montana has 2.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Montana
42
Montana has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 38% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandMontana 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 Montana than Rhode Island?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

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