Moving to Rhode Island? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States by land mass, but that doesn’t hinder the picturesque coastal geography or history of the state. The state is commonly nicknamed the “Ocean State” due to its many waterfronts, and it offers visitors a vibrant blend of culture, scenic beauty and a friendly, laid-back vibe.

If you are considering moving to Rhode Island, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Rhode Island Facts:

Population: 1.096 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $51,900 (2019)
Random Fact: Rhode Island is the smallest US state when measured by land mass compared to any other state.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Rhode Island

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$4,500 – $7,000
Texas	$3,800 – $6,000
Florida	$4,000 – $6,500
New York	$2,500 – $4,000
Pennsylvania	$2,800 – $4,500
Illinois	$3,500 – $5,500
Ohio	$3,200 – $5,000
Georgia	$3,700 – $5,900
North Carolina	$3,500 – $5,700
Michigan	$3,400 – $5,600

2. Rhode Island Housing Costs

Real estate prices in Rhode Island vary significantly: in upscale neighbourhoods such as Newport and Barrington, the median home price can surpass $500,000, while in downtown Providence, you can find homes in the $250,000 range. When it comes to rentals, a one-bedroom apartment in Providence might cost around $1,500 per month, while in pricier Newport, it could be closer to $2,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Rhode Island:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,600+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,100+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,300+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,650+

Rhode Island Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $3,200+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,900+

Rhode Island Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Rhode Island compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 45.1% more expensive
New York is 61.8% more expensive
Los Angeles is 46.4% more expensive
Toronto is 22.7% more expensive
Sydney is 35.6% more expensive
Paris is 7.5% more expensive
Dubai is 23.4% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Property costs in Rhode Island fluctuate widely based on location: in affluent towns like East Greenwich or Jamestown, the median home value often exceeds $500,000, while in areas like Woonsocket or Central Falls, houses can be found in the $200,000 range. On the rental front, a one-bedroom apartment in Westerly might go for around $1,200 per month, whereas the same could cost upwards of $1,800 in sought-after coastal towns like Narragansett.

3. Rhode Island Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Rhode Island has a rich culinary scene heavily influenced by its coastal location, with seafood playing a significant role in the local cuisine. Some must-try specialities include Rhode Island-style calamari, quahogs (large clams), and the iconic “stuffies” (stuffed quahogs), as well as the state’s famous coffee milk, a sweet beverage made with coffee syrup.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.50
Bottle of Coke: $2.60
1L of Milk: $1.00
Loaf of Bread: $3.70
12 Eggs: $5.50
1kg Chicken: $10.60
1kg Beef: $19.10
1kg Apples: $4.80
1kg White Rice: $3.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 7% more expensive and groceries are 25.5% cheaper than Rhode Island.
New York restaurants are 7% more expensive and groceries are 20.3% more expensive than Rhode Island.
Los Angeles restaurants are 2.8% more expensive and groceries are 0.6% cheaper than Rhode Island.
Toronto restaurants are 25% more expensive and groceries are 16.9% cheaper than Rhode Island.
Sydney restaurants are 19.4% cheaper and groceries are 4.2% cheaper than Rhode Island.
Paris restaurants are 30.8% more expensive and groceries are 5.9% cheaper than Rhode Island.
Dubai restaurants are 33.1% more expensive and groceries are 63.1% cheaper than Rhode Island.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Rhode Island is home to a variety of farmers’ markets, like the Hope Street Farmers’ Market in Providence and the Coastal Growers Market in North Kingstown, offering fresh, locally-sourced produce, dairy, and meats. For grocery shopping, the state features a range of options from high-end supermarkets like Whole Foods to more affordable chains such as Stop & Shop and ALDI.
Find Cheap Eats: Rhode Island has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Rhode Island Alcohol Costs

Rhode Island, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $9.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.60
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.80
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $12.00

How To Drink For Less in Rhode Island:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.

5. Rhode Island Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Rhode Island is primarily serviced by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which operates bus routes throughout the state including service to major cities like Providence, Newport, and Warwick. For those in the Providence metropolitan area, the commuter rail service provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) also offers connections to Boston and other parts of Massachusetts.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.00
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $55.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Rhode Island

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

In Rhode Island, the average yearly temperature hovers around 10°C. January is generally the coldest month with average lows near -6°C, while July is typically the hottest month with average highs near 28°C. The wettest month tends to be March with an average precipitation of around 120mm.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $43.00
Summer Dress: $40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $65.00
Business Shoes: $90.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.50
Gym Membership: $45.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Rhode Island

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Rhode Island. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Rhode Island from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Rhode Island:

Volkswagen Golf: $29,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.95

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Rhode Island:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Rhode Island

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Rhode Island has a state sales tax rate of 7%. This applies to most retail sales of tangible personal property. There are certain exemptions, such as for prescription drugs and some types of clothing and footwear.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Rhode Island at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Rhode Island you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Rhode Island

If you do make the move to Rhode Island, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $570
New York: $130
Los Angeles: $145
Toronto: $180
Vancouver: $220
Dubai: $950
Sydney: $1,150
Melbourne: $1,100
Cape Town: $1,120
Hong Kong: $1,200

Other Tips on Moving to Rhode Island:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Rhode Island but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Rhode Island Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Rhode Island.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Rhode Island always has something going on. Have a look at Visit Rhode Island.

12. Moving to Rhode Island with a Family

Rhode Island is considered relatively family-friendly, with many coastal communities, parks, and family-oriented activities. However, like any region, the crime rate can vary; while some areas boast low crime rates, the state’s capital, Providence, historically has higher rates.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Women and Infants.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: East Greenwich, located in Kent County, is often considered the most family-friendly area in Rhode Island. It is known for its excellent school system, safe neighbourhoods, and vibrant community events, making it a desirable place for families.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Rhode Island. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Visit Rhode Island.

13. Moving to Rhode Island for Work

While it is possible to move to Rhode Island without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Rhode Island’s economy is primarily driven by health services, education, tourism, and manufacturing, with a specific emphasis on ship and boat building. The state has an unemployment rate of around 5.8%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Rhode Island, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Rhode Island from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Rhode Island, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Greater Hobart in Australia is close in size to Rhode Island.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Rhode Island that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Rhode Island from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Rhode Island. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Kingston Census Metropolitan Area in Ontario is close in size to Rhode Island.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Rhode Island from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Rhode Island. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Cornwall is close in size to Rhode Island.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Rhode Island, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Rhode Island you can start by comparing moving quotes here.