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Moving from Rhode Island to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 1.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 1.1% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Virginia
100.3
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Virginia
100.2
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 43% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Virginia
100.2
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 11% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 46% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 6.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 10% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Virginia
208
Virginia has 4.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 10% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Virginia
41
Virginia has 14% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 59% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandVirginia 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 Virginia than Rhode Island?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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