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Moving from Rhode Island to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Washington
107.0
Washington has 4.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Washington
126.0
Washington has 19% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Washington
101.8
Washington has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Washington
101.1
Washington has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 52% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Washington
101.4
Washington has 0.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 32% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 58% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 3.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 1.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Washington
152
Washington has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 19% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Washington
39
Washington has 8.3% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 22% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandWashington report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Washington than Rhode Island?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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