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Moving from Rhode Island to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest 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.

ND state flag
Moving to

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

North Dakota has an overall price level 89.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 32% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
North Dakota
98.3
North Dakota has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 2.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 42% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 20% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 18% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 5.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 63% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 5.4% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandNorth Dakota 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 North Dakota than Rhode Island?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (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. North Dakota tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Dakota?

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

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