Moving from Missouri to Rhode Island
Moving from Missouri to Rhode Island covers about 1,394 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistMO vs RI at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Higher cost of living
Rhode Island runs about 26% more expensive than Missouri overall. Budget extra for housing, groceries, and day-to-day costs before committing to a new place.
Before You Leave Missouri
File Form MO-1040 as a part-year resident
Attach Form MO-CR or Form MO-NRI. Use the one that gives you the lower tax. MO-NRI taxes only the income you earned while a resident. MO-CR gives a credit for tax paid to another state. Your Missouri domicile continues until you move with the intention to make your permanent home elsewhere.
Source: Missouri DOR, Nonresidents and part-year residentsExpect a full year of personal property tax
Missouri taxes the cars and other personal property you own on January 1. The tax is not prorated. If you own a car on January 1 and move out on January 2, you owe the tax for that whole year.
Source: Missouri State Tax Commission, FAQDestroy or return your Missouri plates
Destroy and recycle the plates yourself, or return them to any Missouri license office. You can also mail them to the Department of Revenue. Missouri statute does not allow a refund of registration fees for unexpired plates. If a renewal notice arrives later, ignore it.
Source: Missouri DOR, Titling and registration FAQIf you sell the car instead, report the sale within 30 days
Remove your plates before the buyer takes the car. Report the sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. Use the Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or the Bill of Sale (Form 1957).
Source: Missouri DOR, Selling a vehicleCheck for a city earnings tax
The City of St. Louis charges a one percent earnings tax. Residents pay it wherever their employer is located. If you lived in the city, ask the Collector of Revenue about your final return.
Source: City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue, Earnings taxYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 1,394 miles (~25.5 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Rhode Island DMV, register to vote in RI, and set up your new utilities.
Free to use — $2.99 to print
Climate Comparison
Missouri
Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Rhode Island
Humid continental with cold winters and warm, humid summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Missouri
Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Missouri to Rhode Island?
The driving distance from Missouri to Rhode Island is approximately 1,394 miles — about 25.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Missouri to Rhode Island?
A professional interstate move from Missouri to Rhode Island typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Missouri and Rhode Island?
Missouri has a cost of living index of 88.6 versus 111.2 for Rhode Island (US average = 100).
- Overall, Rhode Island is about 26% higher than Missouri.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Rhode Island?
After establishing residency in Rhode Island, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Rhode Island DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Rhode Island DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has humid continental with cold winters and warm, humid summers.
- The annual average temperature is 50°F, with about 47 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $162.