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Moving from Washington to Rhode Island

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

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

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

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

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
Washington
107.0
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 4.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 16% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 1.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 108% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 24% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 37% 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
Washington
79°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 3.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 37% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 1.4% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 32% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 23% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 7.7% lower AQI
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 28% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonRhode 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 Washington?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — 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?

Washington tops out at 0% 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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