Data-backed Moving Costs in Rhode Island (2026)
Fact Checked by:
The average cost of movers in Rhode Island is $90 per hour, with the total for a typical move ranging from $491 - $3,131. Your exact costs will depend on factors like how long your move takes, the size of your moving crew, and any add-on services like packing or storage you choose.
Enter your anticipated move date and home size into our free moving cost calculator to get instant, no-hassle estimates catered to your needs and budget.
Moving costs in Rhode Island by home size
Moving costs in Rhode Island range from $491 for a studio apartment to $3,131 for 5 or more bedrooms. Local moves are billed hourly per crew member, so a bigger home means a bigger crew, more hours, and a higher total.
The average hourly rate for local moves in Rhode Island is $90, but most RI moving companies charge a 2-hour minimum. This means the baseline for a small move will be $180.
The table below shows the average total cost of a local move in Rhode Island by home size, along with the typical crew size and total hours for each:
| Home size | Moving crew size | # of hours | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 2 | 3 | $491 |
| 1 bedroom | 2 | 4 | $617 |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 | 5 | $895 |
| 3 bedrooms | 4 | 8 | $1,847 |
| 4 bedrooms | 4 | 9 | $2,094 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 5 | 10 | $3,131 |
Rhode Island moving costs by type of mover
Full-service movers are the most expensive option in Rhode Island, costing $300 - $1,500 more than DIY moves on average, since the price covers labor, transportation, and equipment.
Rental trucks and moving containers cost less but require more hands-on work, and the gap narrows once you add in the fees that come with handling the move yourself:
- Fuel: Rhode Island's average gas price is $2.92 per gallon, which adds up quickly on longer routes.
- Equipment rentals: Dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks run $50 - $300 per day.
- Labor-only help: Since rental trucks and containers do not include loading or unloading, hiring a labor-only crew adds $59 - $80.
Take a look at how the average cost of each move type in Rhode Island compares:
| Type of mover | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $491 - $3,131 |
| Moving containers | $213 - $7,555 |
| Rental trucks | $20 - $101 |
| Labor-only | $59 - $80 |
How much movers cost in Rhode Island by city
- Barrington
- Bristol
- Burrillville
- Central Falls
- Coventry
- Cranston
- Cumberland
- East Greenwich
- East Providence
- Glocester
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Middletown
- Narragansett
- Newport
- Newport East
- North Kingstown
- North Providence
- North Smithfield
- Pawtucket
- Portsmouth
- Providence
- Scituate
- Smithfield
- South Kingstown
- Tiverton
- Valley Falls
- Warren
- Warwick
- West Warwick
- Westerly
- Woonsocket
How to estimate moving costs in Rhode Island
Follow these steps to build a realistic budget for a local or long-distance move in Rhode Island.
- Determine local vs long-distance — Moves under 100 miles within Rhode Island are billed hourly by crew size and total hours. Long-distance moves (100+ miles) are priced by shipment weight and mileage and typically cost more. Decide which category your move falls into before comparing quotes.
- Size your home and inventory — Use the home-size table above to match your bedroom count to typical crew size, hours, and average cost in Rhode Island. A studio runs about $491 while a 5+ bedroom averages $3,131. List large furniture and specialty items so quotes reflect your actual inventory.
- Compare move types — Full-service movers ($491–$3,131) cover labor and transport. Moving containers ($213–$7,555), rental trucks ($20–$101), and labor-only crews ($59–$80) cost less but require more hands-on work.
- Get 3+ written quotes — Request written estimates from at least three licensed Rhode Island movers. Share your home size, move date, and destination. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to benchmark quotes against moveBuddha's statewide pricing data.
- Book an off-peak date — The cheapest time to move in Rhode Island is fall or winter on a mid-week, mid-month date. Summer, weekends, and the last 3 days of any month are the most expensive, costing 20%–30% more than off-peak windows.
FAQs about Rhode Island moving costs
How much does it cost to hire movers in Rhode Island?
Hiring local movers in Rhode Island costs $491 – $3,131 depending on home size, with a 3-bedroom averaging $1,847. Long-distance moves out of Rhode Island are priced by weight and mileage and typically run higher.
For a personalized quote tailored to your move details, plug your home size and destination into our moving cost calculator.
What is the average hourly rate for movers in Rhode Island?
Local movers in Rhode Island charge an average of $90 per hour based on moveBuddha's analysis of Rhode Island-area mover pricing. Most movers enforce a 2-hour minimum, putting the floor for a small local move at $180.
Final cost depends on crew size, total billable hours, and access conditions like stairs and long carries.
What is the cheapest way to move in Rhode Island?
Rental trucks are typically the cheapest way to move in Rhode Island, saving $300 – $1,500 compared to full-service movers on average. Keep in mind that with rental trucks you will be responsible for loading, unloading, and driving, and will have related expenses like gas ($3 per gallon on average in Rhode Island) and equipment rentals ($50 – $300 per day).
How much does a long-distance move from Rhode Island cost?
Long-distance moves (100+ miles) from Rhode Island cost between $1,500 and $8,500+, with an average cost of $3,400 – $4,500 for 2–3 bedrooms. Long-distance move pricing is driven by shipment weight and total mileage rather than hours on the clock.
When is the cheapest time to move in Rhode Island?
The cheapest time to move in Rhode Island is fall or winter on a mid-week, mid-month date. Summer, weekends, and the last 3 days of any month are the most expensive, costing 20%–30% more than off-peak windows.
How much does packing add to a Rhode Island move?
Professional packing services in Rhode Island add $500 for a small 1-bedroom move and up to $5,000 for a 4–5 bedroom home. Final cost depends on how much you are moving and how fragile your belongings are.
Self-packing non-fragile items can keep that fee in check. See our packing tips guide for ways to box efficiently before moving day.
