($1,855) Cost of Moving From California to Rhode Island

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Rhode Island ranges from $2,105 to $11,004 and takes seven–21 days. The biggest cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Rhode Island to California guide.

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The best California to Rhode Island full-service movers

Moving from California to Rhode Island? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your relocation to Rhode Island:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in California

Finding a trustworthy local moving company can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in California based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  4. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
Get a Quote

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3670248

Years in Business: 14

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3670248
  • State license #: 0190673
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3369820
  • State license #: 0190491
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Lovejoy's Family Moving
  • Republic Relocation Services

Local Associations

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All Star Movers & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2971368

Years in Business: 10

101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568

All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.

Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage

Additional Information

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The best California to Rhode Island moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Rhode Island.

Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best California to Rhode Island moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Rhode Island, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best California to Rhode Island labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Rhode Island:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 31
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 10
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to RI movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from California to Rhode Island?

Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Rhode Island. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,855 - $7,518 $1,910 - $4,629 $1,965 - $3,813
2 - 3 bedrooms $5,374 - $11,004 $3,385 - $6,482 $2,105 - $4,823
4+ bedrooms $9,912 - $15,892 $4,453 - $8,956 $2,775 - $5,749

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 3,077 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from California to Rhode Island

Planning a move from California to Rhode Island? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,855 and $7,518. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $5,374 and $11,004 for the same journey (CA to RI). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,912 to $15,892.

Cost of moving containers from California to Rhode Island

If you’re relocating from California to Rhode Island, you’ll typically spend between $1,910 and $4,629 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $3,385 up to $6,482. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,453 and $8,956. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Rhode Island

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,965 and $3,813. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,105 to $4,823. If you’re heading from California to Rhode Island or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,775 and $5,749.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to RI

Several factors can influence your moving costs from California to Rhode Island. Here’s what could impact your final bill:

  • Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
  • Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in California.
  • DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.

What to know before moving from CA to RI

If you’re moving from California to Rhode Island, it’s a good idea to see how your new state compares to your old one.

Cost of living: California vs. Rhode Island

Before you move, take a moment to compare the cost of living in California and Rhode Island. This simple side-by-side comparison highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment so you can see exactly how your budget may change. See how both states measure up on the essentials that impact your finances:

California Rhode Island
Average rent cost $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%
  • Expect to pay around 36% less in rent in Rhode Island than in California, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
  • Good news for your budget—home prices in Rhode Island are around 39% lower than in California. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
  • Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Rhode Island are about 11% lower than in California.
  • Moving to Rhode Island is about 25% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
  • With an unemployment rate roughly 15% lower than California, Rhode Island offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
  • Sales tax in Rhode Island is 19% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Rhode Island can really help lower your monthly costs.
  • Income taxes in Rhode Island are 55% lower than in California. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.

How life is different in Rhode Island vs. California

Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Rhode Island compared to California across a few key lifestyle factors:

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
  • The population of Rhode Island is approximately 97% lower than the population of California. Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
  • In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. Moving to a cooler summer climate can bring relief from extreme heat, lower energy bills, and make it more comfortable outdoors, an appealing choice for those who value comfort and outdoor accessibility.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches about 19ºF and California only gets down to 59ºF. Moving to Rhode Island with its colder winters means you need to prepare for higher heating costs, possible lifestyle shifts, and more intense weather, but it can also offer unique seasonal experiences and beauty.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus only 22 inches of rainfall in California. More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
  • In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually while California gets only about 7 inches of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
  • Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 14.58 vs. 28.43. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Rhode Island

Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Rhode Island to California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Rhode Island
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful landscapes
Pleasant weather Delicious seafood
Abundant recreational options Rich history
High quality of life Amazing beaches
Fresh and healthy foods Short drives

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Rhode Island

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Rhode Island.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Rhode Island
High cost of living High cost of living
Heavy tax burdens Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
Natural disasters Smallest state
Terrible traffic Cold winters
Strange laws Dense population

Other things to consider for your California to Rhode Island move

  • Weather: Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • 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 parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
  • 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 verify a Rhode Island moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in Rhode Island

Get ready to discover all that Rhode Island has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:

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

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Rhode Island? toggle

Going with a full-service California moving company is a bigger financial investment, but it saves you a ton of hassle. If you’re looking to cut costs, renting a moving truck or using a moving container will keep your budget in check, but you’ll have to do more of the heavy lifting. Want more options for saving money? Check out our tips on the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Rhode Island? toggle

Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving package. Alternatively, you can book vehicle transport from California to Rhode Island separately with a leading car shipping provider.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Rhode Island? toggle

Many people are making the move from California to Rhode Island to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Rhode Island has to offer, like, beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Rhode Island? toggle

Living in Rhode Island usually costs less than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Rhode Island, with average rent about 36% less and home prices 39.4% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Rhode Island, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island? toggle

To live comfortably as a single adult in Rhode Island, you should aim to make around $78,746. On average, expect to spend about $3,497 per month, or $5,313 monthly for a family of four. Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Providence and Warwick generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources