Best Movers From California to Rhode Island (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from California to Rhode Island, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,937 to
$8,737, roughly
$3,782 for a container move, and close to
$2,743
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,458 — $8,737 Top local mover
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$1,458 — $12,377 Top long-distance mover
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$1,488 — $6,975 Top container company
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$1,562 — $4,433 Top truck rental
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$60 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
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Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Rhode Island
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from California to Rhode Island.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Rhode Island
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Studio apartment
Nov 24, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 16, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 17, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 19, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Rhode Island?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,458 – $5,563 | $1,488 – $3,677 | $1,562 – $3,032 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,937 – $8,737 | $2,409 – $5,155 | $1,692 – $3,794 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,720 – $12,377 | $3,433 – $6,975 | $2,074 – $4,433 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,458 – $5,563
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,937 – $8,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,720 – $12,377
How much do moving containers cost from California to Rhode Island?
- Small move: $1,488 – $3,677
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,409 – $5,155
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,433 – $6,975
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,562 – $3,032
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,692 – $3,794
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,074 – $4,433
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 3,079-mile move from CA to RI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to RI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,195 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $467,485 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $81,370 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.99% |
Will rent be more expensive in Rhode Island?
Rent is about 36% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,195
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 39% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $467,485
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 11% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $81,370
Is the overall cost of living higher in Rhode Island?
The cost of living is 25% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 19% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 55% lower in Rhode Island than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.99%
How is daily life different in Rhode Island compared to California?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Rhode Island | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,093,734 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-44 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 14.58 | 28.43 |
Will Rhode Island feel more crowded than California?
Rhode Island is about 97% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Rhode Island voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (82°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Rhode Island is colder on average (19°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Rhode Island?
Rain: Rhode Island gets more rain (50″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Rhode Island gets more snow (35 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Rhode Island safer than California?
Rhode Island has a lower crime index than California (14.58 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Rhode Island?
Museums in Rhode Island
- The Breakers
- Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
- Providence Children’s Museum
- John Brown House Museum
- Old Slater Mill
Parks in Rhode Island
- Water Place Park
- Roger Williams Park
- Goddard State Park
- India Point Park
- Fort Adams State Park
Sports teams in Rhode Island
- Providence Bruins (AHL)
- Brown Bears (NCAA)
Universities in Rhode Island
- Brown University
- University of Rhode Island
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rhode Island College
- Johnson and Wales University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Rhode Island move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Rhode Island moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Rhode Island, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage at no extra cost. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Rhode Island?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Rhode Island moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Rhode Island?
No moving permit is required in Rhode Island.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include basic insurance at no extra cost. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
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