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Moving from Rhode Island to Wisconsin

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal 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.

WI state flag
Moving to

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

Wisconsin has an overall price level 94.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Wisconsin
94.1
Wisconsin has 8.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Wisconsin
79.3
Wisconsin has 25% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Wisconsin
98.5
Wisconsin has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Wisconsin
99.1
Wisconsin has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin has 37% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Wisconsin
98.8
Wisconsin has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Wisconsin
$294,700
Wisconsin is 35% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Wisconsin is 5.4% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 81°F · Winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Wisconsin
81°F
Wisconsin is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Wisconsin
9°F
Wisconsin is 59% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Wisconsin
44°F
Wisconsin is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Wisconsin
188
Wisconsin has 6.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Wisconsin
33 in
Wisconsin is 32% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Wisconsin
40
Wisconsin has 11% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Wisconsin
50 in
Wisconsin is 35% more annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandWisconsin 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 Wisconsin than Rhode Island?

Wisconsin's overall price level is roughly 93.5 (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. Wisconsin tops out at 7.65%.

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

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

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