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Moving from Wisconsin to Rhode Island

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

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

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

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

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
Wisconsin
94.1
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 8.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 33% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Wisconsin
94.3
Rhode Island
97.2
Rhode Island has 3.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
19.2 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
28.3 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 47% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 55% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$1,142/mo
Rhode Island
$1,418/mo
Rhode Island is 24% more expensive to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 144% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 14% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Rhode Island
200
Rhode Island has 6.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 47% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
78
Rhode Island
30
Rhode Island has 62% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Wisconsin
0
Rhode Island
0
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 26% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinRhode Island report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island than Wisconsin?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin, 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% 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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