Moving from San Diego, CA to Providence, RI: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Providence, RI averages from $1,830 to $8,620 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Providence, RI. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Providence to San Diego guide.

• Best San Diego to Providence movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Providence.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego to Providence car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,963 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Providence?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,963 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Diego to Providence will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Diego to Providence Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Providence?

To ship furniture from San Diego to Providence with a mover will cost between $1,439 to $6,066. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $4,293 to $8,620, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Providence will cost from $8,078 to $13,357.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Providence?

Moving containers from San Diego to Providence will cost you $1,522 to $3,799 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,699 to $5,654. A larger home will cost $3,729 to $7,727.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Providence?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,690 to $3,278. A larger move will cost $1,830 to $3,904, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Providence costs from $2,314 to $4,793.

How to ship a car from San Diego to Providence?

If you're moving from San Diego to Providence and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Diego to Providence car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Providence, RI a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Providence

• Rent Prices in Providence, RI are 21% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Home Prices in Providence, RI are 63.6% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Income in Providence, RI is 2.8% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Providence, RI is 75.3% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Providence, RI is 7.1% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Providence, RI is 22.86% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Providence, RI are 9.68% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Providence, RI are 54.96% lower than in San Diego, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $741.2 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA to Providence, RI?

• Providence’s population is about 86% less than San Diego.
• Providence’s public transportation is not as good as San Diego with a score of 7 vs 6.
• Providence is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 76 vs 53.
• Providence is more bike-friendly than San Diego with a score of 61 vs 43.
• Providence's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 17.0 compared to 21.98.
• Providence is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 49.78 vs 62.95.
• Air Quality in Providence is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Providence, RI

• Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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 a license before hiring.
• 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Providence. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Diego Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Providence, RI

Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Creative Capital", these are the best neighborhoods in Providence to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

• Downtown
• Elmhurst
• Federal Hill
• Fox Point
• Mount Hope

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Blackstone
• Wayland
• College Hill
• Hope
• Mount Hope
• Fox Point

What to do in Providence

Moving to The “The Creative Capital”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Rhode Island home.

• Roger Williams Park Zoo
• WaterFire
• RISD Museum of Art
• Rhode Island State Capitol
• Federal Hill
• Relax in Waterplace Park
• Providence Performing Arts Center
• Walk Benefit Street's "Mile of History"
• Brown University
• Stephen Hopkins House

Get your sports on!

• Providence Bruins (AHL)
• Brown Bears (Ivy League)
• Providence Friars (Big East)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• New York City to Providence
• Chicago to Providence
• Houston to Providence
• Phoenix to Providence
• Philadelphia to Providence
• San Antonio to Providence
• Dallas to Providence
• Austin to Providence
• Jacksonville to Providence
• Fort Worth to Providence

Learn more about Providence

• What Is The Cost To Move In Providence?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Rhode Island?
• Best Moving Companies in Providence, RI
• Best Moving Companies in Rhode Island