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Moving from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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.

PA state flag
Moving to

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

Pennsylvania has an overall price level 97.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Pennsylvania
97.6
Pennsylvania has 4.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Pennsylvania
85.1
Pennsylvania has 19% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Pennsylvania
99.4
Pennsylvania has 1.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Pennsylvania
99.6
Pennsylvania has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Pennsylvania has 30% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Pennsylvania
99.5
Pennsylvania has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Pennsylvania is 39% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Pennsylvania is 2.5% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Pennsylvania
85°F
Pennsylvania is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Pennsylvania
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Pennsylvania
50°F
Pennsylvania is 1.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Pennsylvania
179
Pennsylvania has 11% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Pennsylvania
44 in
Pennsylvania is 11% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Pennsylvania
40
Pennsylvania has 11% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Pennsylvania
43 in
Pennsylvania is 16% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandPennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania than Rhode Island?

Pennsylvania's overall price level is roughly 96.8 (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. Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07%.

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

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

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