Who’s Moving To and From Rhode Island?
In the latest Census data (2022), Rhode Island gained about 7,008 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Massachusetts, and the largest number leaving head to Massachusetts.
Top states moving into Rhode Island
- Massachusetts 13,465
- New York 3,661
- Florida 2,179
- California 2,023
- New Jersey 1,796
Where Rhode Island residents move
- Massachusetts 8,568
- Florida 3,094
- New York 2,012
- California 1,762
- North Carolina 1,181
Net interstate migration: +7,008 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Rhode Island residents go: the biggest destinations are Massachusetts, Florida and New York. The single largest stream runs to Massachusetts — about 8,568 people in a year. In total, roughly 28,043 residents left Rhode Island for another state, versus about 35,051 who moved in.
Who moves to Rhode Island: the largest inbound flows come from Massachusetts, New York and Florida, led by Massachusetts with about 13,465 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
The balance of moves in and out of Rhode Island is relatively close, so no single tax-or-cost story dominates. Jobs, family, housing, and remote-work flexibility all shape these corridors alongside the difference in taxes and prices between states.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Rhode Island and Massachusetts can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Rhode Island with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving Rhode Island?
- On net, no — Rhode Island gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 7,008 in 2022. The most people arrive from Massachusetts.
- Which state do most people move to from Rhode Island?
- Massachusetts is the top destination for people leaving Rhode Island, with about 8,568 moves in the latest year, followed by Florida and New York.
- Which states do people move to Rhode Island from?
- The largest inbound flows to Rhode Island come from Massachusetts, New York and Florida, led by Massachusetts with about 13,465 arrivals.