For a move from North Carolina to Rhode Island, budget between $1,887–$4,955 for full-service movers, around
$1,825 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$770
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from North Carolina 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 | $1,099 – $3,159 | $682 – $1,648 | $457 – $873 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,887 – $4,955 | $1,203 – $2,447 | $504 – $1,037 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,491 – $7,240 | $1,592 – $3,299 | $622 – $1,330 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,099 – $3,159
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,887 – $4,955
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,491 – $7,240
How much do moving containers cost from North Carolina to Rhode Island?
- Small move: $682 – $1,648
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,203 – $2,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,592 – $3,299
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $457 – $873
- 2–3 bedrooms: $504 – $1,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $622 – $1,330
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 673-mile move from NC to RI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 NC to RI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| North Carolina | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,093 | $1,195 |
| Average home cost | $328,715 | $467,485 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 | $81,370 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% | 4.6% |
| Average sales tax | 6.98% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 5.99% |
Will rent be more expensive in Rhode Island?
Rent is about 9% higher in Rhode Island than in North Carolina.
Avg rent: $1,093 vs. $1,195
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 42% higher in Rhode Island than in North Carolina.
Avg home value: $328,715 vs. $467,485
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 23% higher in Rhode Island than in North Carolina.
Avg income (per capita): $66,186 vs. $81,370
Is the overall cost of living higher in Rhode Island?
The cost of living is about the same in North Carolina and Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in North Carolina and Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 6.98% vs. 7.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 33% higher in Rhode Island than in North Carolina.
State income tax: 4.5% vs. 5.99%
How is daily life different in Rhode Island compared to North Carolina?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Rhode Island | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,093,734 | 10,835,491 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-44 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 4″ |
| Crime index | 14.58 | 24.69 |
Will Rhode Island feel more crowded than North Carolina?
Rhode Island is about 90% less populous than North Carolina — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic while North Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Rhode Island is cooler on average (82°F vs. 88°F).
Winter: Rhode Island is colder on average (19°F vs. 29°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Rhode Island?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (50″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Rhode Island gets more snow (35 inches vs. 4 inches).
Is Rhode Island safer than North Carolina?
Rhode Island has a lower crime index than North Carolina (14.58 vs. 24.69), 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 North Carolina to Rhode Island move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Rhode Island moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Rhode Island, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Rhode Island right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Rhode Island?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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?
You don’t need a moving permit in Rhode Island, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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 North Carolina offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 5 military discounts; 2 senior discounts; 1 educator discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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