There’s a lot to think about when moving to Montana from Rhode Island. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Montana DMV to transfer your Rhode Island driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Montana from Rhode Island. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Montana state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Rhode Island driver’s license to Montana within 60 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get Montana license plates within 60 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Montana and Rhode Island.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Montana.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Montana property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Montana DMV to transfer your Rhode Island driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Rhode Island to Montana.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Montana.
Moving to Montana from Rhode Island Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Rhode Island license & registration to Montana.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Montana here.
Cost of Moving from Rhode Island to Montana
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Rhode Island to Montana will cost.
The rough distance between Montana and Rhode Island is 1,898 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Rhode Island to Montana
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Montana
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Montana
When you move to Montana, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Montana.
Montana Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Montana, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$310
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for car insurance in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$1,889
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is higher in Montana. You’ll likely pay more for full coverage in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Montana Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$1,736
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be higher in Montana. You’ll likely pay more for your home insurance policy in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Will you own or rent your home?
Montana Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Montana.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Montana
Lower
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Montana from Rhode Island
Transfer your Rhode Island Driver’s License
within 60 days.
After you’ve moved to Montana, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Rhode Island Car Registration
within 60 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Montana license plates.
When you become a resident of Montana, you’ll need to transfer your Rhode Island driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Montana. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Montana is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Montana for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Rhode Island Driver’s License to Montana
Minimum Age for a Montana Driver’s License
16 years old
A standard Montana driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 16 years old.
Montana Driver’s License Expires
every 4-8 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 4-8 years.
Montana Driver’s License Cost
$40.50
A driver’s license will cost around $40.50.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Montana is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Montana driver’s license within 60 days.
In Montana, driver’s licenses are issued by the MVD.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Montana Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Rhode Island driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Montana address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Montana MVD will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://dojmt.gov/driving/.
Montana Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Montana Driver’s License Test
33 total questions
The Montana knowledge exam will typically consist of 33 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
82%
You’ll need to score 82% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Rhode Island license to Montana, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Montana.
Before you visit the MVD, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Montana. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Rhode Island driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Montana driving test.
Is your Rhode Island driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Rhode Island driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Rhode Island license should be valid when you apply for a license in Montana.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Rhode Island DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Rhode Island driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Rhode Island driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Rhode Island driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Montana license, it’s possible that the MVD will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Rhode Island driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Montana DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Rhode Island to Montana
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Rhode Island registration to Montana.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Montana MVD.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://dojmt.gov/driving/
Montana Registration Fee Basis
age-base
Montana vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by age-base.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$217+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Montana Registration Expiration
every year (Permanent Registration Available)
In Montana, you’ll need to renew your registration every year (Permanent Registration Available).
Front License Plates
Montana requires that vehicles display a front license plate.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
There is typically no vehicle safety inspection required in Montana.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is not required for vehicles registered in Montana.
New residents in Montana are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 60 days.
When moving to Montana with vehicles from Rhode Island, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Montana registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Rhode Island.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Montana registration.
- Have a valid Montana insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Rhode Island DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Rhode Island DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Montana vs Rhode Island
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Rhode Island to Montana including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Montana.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Montana from Rhode Island.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Montana from Rhode Island
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax savings when moving to Montana from Rhode Island.
Montana Income Tax (effective rates)
3.99% (single) & 4.47% (joint)
Montana has a state income tax with an effective rate of 3.99% for single filers, and 4.47% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
19.92%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less in income tax in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Montana: 19.92% (single), 20.04% (joint)
- Rhode Island: 20.21% (single), 19.89% (joint)
In Montana, your tax would be . In Rhode Island, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Montana from Rhode Island
- State Income Tax (single filers): 3.99% in Montana vs 2.90% in Rhode Island
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 4.47% in Montana vs 3.04% in Rhode Island
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 19.92% in Montana vs 20.21% in Rhode Island
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 20.04% in Montana vs 19.89% in Rhode Island
Sales Tax in Montana vs Rhode Island
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Montana Sales Tax
0%
Montana doesn’t have a state sales tax.
The sales tax rate is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less on sales tax in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Property Taxes in Montana vs Rhode Island
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Montana, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Montana Property Tax Estimate
0.84%
The property tax rate is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Home Prices in Montana
$230,600
On average, the average home price is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for a house in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Montana homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Montana vs Rhode Island?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Montana.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Montana and Rhode Island to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Montana is
3.70% more expensive
than the national average, compared to 10.50% more expensive for Rhode Island.
Montana Cost of Living Index
103.7
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for many things in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Cost of Groceries
3.00% more expensive
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is higher in Montana. You’ll likely pay more for groceries in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Housing Costs
11.40% more expensive
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Montana Utilities
-8.40% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for your monthly utility bills in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Transportation Costs
-0.60% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is higher in Montana. You’ll likely pay more on transportation in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Healthcare in Montana
-4.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Miscellaneous Costs
3.30% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally lower in Montana. You’ll likely pay less for these things in Montana than you did in Rhode Island.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Rhode Island to Montana.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Montana.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Rhode Island to Montana.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Montana to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Montana local.