Moving to Rhode Island from Vermont

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There’s a lot to think about when moving to Rhode Island from Vermont. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Rhode Island DMV to transfer your Vermont 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 Rhode Island from Vermont. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Rhode Island 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.


Vermont 175 miles Rhode Island

Estimate the cost of your move.

Effective Tax Rates

Higher

compared to Vermont

Jump to Tax Comparison


Cost of Living

Lower

compared to Vermont

Jump to Cost of Living Section


Car Insurance

Higher

compared to Vermont


Home Insurance

Lower

compared to Vermont


Healthcare

Higher

compared to Vermont


License & Registration

Transfer your Vermont driver’s license to Rhode Island within 30 days.

Transfer your vehicles & get Rhode Island license plates within 30 days.

Jump to DMV Section


On this page, you’ll be able to:

  • See how the cost of living compares for Rhode Island and Vermont.
  • Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Rhode Island.
  • Find out what to expect when it comes to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV to transfer your Vermont driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
  • Estimate how much it will cost to move from Vermont to Rhode Island.
  • BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Rhode Island.

Moving to Rhode Island from Vermont Checklist

  • 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
  • 2. Update your insurance policies.
  • 3. Be prepared to transfer your Vermont license & registration to Rhode Island.
  • 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 Rhode Island here.

Cost of Moving from Vermont to Rhode Island

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 Vermont to Rhode Island will cost.

The rough distance between Rhode Island and Vermont is 175 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: Vermont to Rhode Island


Estimated cost:

Vermont Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island

Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Rhode Island

When you move to Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Car Insurance

One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.

In Rhode Island, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage

$551

On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Average Cost of Full Coverage

$1,886

On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for full coverage in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Do you own a motorcycle?



Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote ➜

Rhode Island 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

$1,233

You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Will you own or rent your home?



Get a Home Owner’s Quote ➜Get a Renter’s Quote ➜

Rhode Island Health Insurance

You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island

Higher

Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.


Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?




Find Health Coverage ➜

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Rhode Island from Vermont

Transfer your Vermont Driver’s License

within 30 days.

After you’ve moved to Rhode Island, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.

Transfer your Vermont Car Registration

within 30 days.

You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Rhode Island license plates.

When you become a resident of Rhode Island, you’ll need to transfer your Vermont driver’s license and vehicle registration.

You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident.

You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Rhode Island for free right here on Relocalate.com.

Transfer Your Vermont Driver’s License to Rhode Island

Minimum Age for a Rhode Island Driver’s License

17 1/2 years old

A standard Rhode Island driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 17 1/2 years old.

Rhode Island Driver’s License Expires

every 5 years

You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 5 years.

Rhode Island Driver’s License Cost

$38.50

A driver’s license will cost around $38.50.

One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Rhode Island is to get a driver’s license.

In fact, new residents should apply for their Rhode Island driver’s license within 30 days.

In Rhode Island, driver’s licenses are issued by the DMV.

To apply, you’ll need to:

  • Complete the Rhode Island Driver’s License Application.
  • Surrender your Vermont driver’s license.
  • Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV 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://dmv.ri.gov/.

Rhode Island Driver’s License Knowledge Exam

Total Questions on the Rhode Island Driver’s License Test

25 total questions

The Rhode Island knowledge exam will typically consist of 25 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.

Passing Score

80%

You’ll need to score 80% to pass the test.

When you transfer your Vermont license to Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island.

Before you visit the DMV, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Rhode Island. 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 Vermont driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Rhode Island driving test.

Is your Vermont driver’s license valid?

One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Vermont driver’s license.

To make things as easy as possible, your Vermont license should be valid when you apply for a license in Rhode Island.

Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Vermont DMV BEFORE you move.

For example:

  • If your Vermont driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
  • If your Vermont driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.

If your Vermont driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Rhode Island license, it’s possible that the DMV 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 Vermont driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Rhode Island DMV.

Transfer Your Car Registration from Vermont to Rhode Island

If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Vermont registration to Rhode Island.

Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Rhode Island DMV.

You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://dmv.ri.gov/

Rhode Island Registration Fee Basis

weight-base

Rhode Island vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by weight-base.

Registration Base Fee Estimate

$30+

Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.

Rhode Island Registration Expiration

every 1-2 years

In Rhode Island, you’ll need to renew your registration every 1-2 years.

Front License Plates

Rhode Island requires that vehicles display a front license plate.

Vehicle Safety Inspections

Period vehicle safety inspections are required biennially in Rhode Island.

Smog & Emissions Testing

Emissions testing is required biennially in Rhode Island.

New residents in Rhode Island are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 30 days.

When moving to Rhode Island with vehicles from Vermont, you should be prepared to:

  • Complete an application for Rhode Island registration and title.
  • Present your current registration documents from Vermont.
  • Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
  • Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Rhode Island registration.
  • Have a valid Rhode Island insurance policy for your vehicles.
  • Pay the registration fees.

Notify the Vermont DMV

While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Vermont 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 Rhode Island vs Vermont

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 Vermont to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Rhode Island from Vermont.

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 Rhode Island from Vermont

Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax hike when moving to Rhode Island from Vermont.

Rhode Island Income Tax (effective rates)

2.90% (single) & 3.04% (joint)

Rhode Island has a state income tax with an effective rate of 2.9% for single filers, and 3.04% for married couples filing jointly.

Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes

20.21%

On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more in income tax in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Tax Comparison Calculator

Vermont Rhode Island

Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):

  • Rhode Island: 20.21% (single), 19.89% (joint)
  • Vermont: 18.93% (single), 18.96% (joint)



Estimated tax:

In Rhode Island, your tax would be . In Vermont, 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 Rhode Island from Vermont

  • State Income Tax (single filers): 2.90% in Rhode Island vs 2.74% in Vermont
  • State Income Tax (joint filers): 3.04% in Rhode Island vs 2.97% in Vermont
  • Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 20.21% in Rhode Island vs 18.93% in Vermont
  • Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 19.89% in Rhode Island vs 18.96% in Vermont

Sales Tax in Rhode Island vs Vermont

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.

Rhode Island Sales Tax

7%

Rhode Island has a state sales tax rate of 7%.

The sales tax rate is higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Property Taxes in Rhode Island vs Vermont

If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Rhode Island, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.

Rhode Island Property Tax Estimate

1.63%

The property tax rate is lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Home Prices in Rhode Island

$261,900

On average, the average home price is higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for a house in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Rhode Island homeowner’s insurance policy.

How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Rhode Island vs Vermont?

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 Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island and Vermont 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.
Vermont Rhode Island

Overall, the cost of living in Rhode Island is

10.50% more expensive


than the national average, compared to 14.90% more expensive for Vermont.

Rhode Island Cost of Living Index

110.5

National Avg: 100

On average, the cost of living is lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for many things in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Cost of Groceries

0.50% more expensive
than the national avg.

Typically, the cost of groceries is lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for groceries in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Housing Costs

14.60% more expensive
than the national avg.

Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Rhode Island Utilities

9.70% more expensive
than the national avg.

The cost of utilities is typically lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less for your monthly utility bills in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Transportation Costs

-1.10% cheaper
than the national avg.

On average, the cost of transportation is lower in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay less on transportation in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Healthcare in Rhode Island

7.40% more expensive
than the national avg.

Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

Miscellaneous Costs

15.20% more expensive
than the national avg.

The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in Rhode Island. You’ll likely pay more for these things in Rhode Island than you did in Vermont.

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 Vermont to Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island.

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 Vermont to Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island local.