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Moving from Virginia to Rhode Island

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

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

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

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

RI state flag
Moving to

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Median household income $81,854 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

Rhode Island has an overall price level 102.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Virginia
101.1
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 1.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 1.1% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Rhode Island
100.6
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Rhode Island
100.3
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 75% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Rhode Island
100.5
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 13% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 32% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Virginia
87°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 5.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 21% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 9.3% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 3.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 12% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 12% lower AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 147% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaRhode Island 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 Rhode Island than Virginia?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% income tax. Rhode Island tops out at 5.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Rhode Island?

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

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