When relocating from New York to Rhode Island, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,110 to
$3,096, roughly
$1,276 for a container move, and close to
$273
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from New York 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 | $560 – $2,175 | $515 – $1,238 | $177 – $300 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,110 – $3,096 | $885 – $1,668 | $193 – $353 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,447 – $4,048 | $1,130 – $2,145 | $219 – $412 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $560 – $2,175
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,110 – $3,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,447 – $4,048
How much do moving containers cost from New York to Rhode Island?
- Small move: $515 – $1,238
- 2–3 bedrooms: $885 – $1,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,130 – $2,145
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $177 – $300
- 2–3 bedrooms: $193 – $353
- 4+ bedrooms: $219 – $412
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 167-mile move from NY to RI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 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 NY to RI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| New York | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,507 | $1,195 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $467,485 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $81,370 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.52% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 5.99% |
Will rent be more expensive in Rhode Island?
Rent is about 21% lower in Rhode Island than in New York.
Avg rent: $1,507 vs. $1,195
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in New York and Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $482,742 vs. $467,485
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in New York and Rhode Island.
Avg income (per capita): $81,386 vs. $81,370
Is the overall cost of living higher in Rhode Island?
The cost of living is about the same in New York and Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% lower in Rhode Island than in New York.
Avg sales tax: 8.52% vs. 7.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 45% lower in Rhode Island than in New York.
State income tax: 10.9% vs. 5.99%
How is daily life different in Rhode Island compared to New York?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Rhode Island | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,093,734 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-44 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 62″ |
| Crime index | 14.58 | 21.51 |
Will Rhode Island feel more crowded than New York?
Rhode Island is about 94% less populous than New York — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both New York and Rhode Island voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (82°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (19°F vs. 16°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Rhode Island?
Rain: Rhode Island gets more rain (50″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Rhode Island gets less snow (35 inches vs. 62 inches).
Is Rhode Island safer than New York?
Rhode Island has a lower crime index than New York (14.58 vs. 21.51), 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 New York 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. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Rhode Island. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” 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. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Rhode Island?
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.
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, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) 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 New York offer discounts: 7 military discounts; 6 senior discounts; 2 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
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