How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to RI move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 50 Minnesota moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to Rhode Island?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Minnesota to Rhode Island.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,187 – $5,133 |
$971 – $2,483 |
$886 – $1,665 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,086 – $6,874 |
$1,683 – $3,345 |
$911 – $2,081 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,054 – $9,976 |
$2,407 – $4,653 |
$1,147 – $2,347 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,519-mile move from MN to
RI using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to Rhode Island
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Minnesota to Rhode Island,
you can expect prices to land between $1,187
and $5,133.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$3,086 to
$6,874 for the trip from MN
to RI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$5,054 and
$9,976.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Rhode Island
Moving containers from Minnesota to Rhode Island
will cost you $971 to
$2,483 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,683
to $3,345. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $2,407 to
$4,653.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to Rhode Island
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$886
and $1,665
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $911
to $2,081.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$1,147
to $2,347.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to RI
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Minnesota to Rhode Island. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Minnesota generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MN to RI
Making the move from Minnesota to Rhode Island means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Rhode Island
A clear look at the cost differences between Minnesota and Rhode Island helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Minnesota |
Rhode Island |
| Average rent |
$1,178 |
$1,195 |
| Average home cost |
$334,119 |
$467,485 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$84,313 |
$81,370 |
| Cost of living index |
94 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
4.6% |
| Average sales tax |
8.03% |
7.0% |
| State income tax |
9.85% |
5.99% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from Minnesota to Rhode Island.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Rhode Island are usually around 40% higher than what you’ll find in Minnesota.
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Luckily, the average income is about the same in Rhode Island and Minnesota, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
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Living in Rhode Island costs 6% more than in Minnesota. If you’re relocating to Rhode Island, be sure to budget carefully so your finances can handle the higher expenses.
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Unemployment in Rhode Island is roughly 35% higher than in Minnesota. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Sales tax in Rhode Island is 13% lower than in Minnesota. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Rhode Island could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in Rhode Island are 39% lower than in Minnesota. 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. Minnesota
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Rhode Island and Minnesota compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Rhode Island |
Minnesota |
| Population |
1,093,734 |
5,737,915 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 56-44 |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
2ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
29″ |
| Annual snow |
35″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
14.58 |
22.47 |
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The population of Rhode Island is about 81% smaller than that of Minnesota.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
-
Minnesota and Rhode Island both voted Democratic in the last election.
-
Summer highs average 82°F in Rhode Island, compared to 81°F in Minnesota.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Rhode Island has winter lows around 19°F, compared to 2°F in Minnesota.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus only 29 inches of rainfall in Minnesota.
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, you’ll get about 35 inches of snow each year, far less than Minnesota.
That means moving to Rhode Island will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Moving to Rhode Island means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 14.58 versus Minnesota’s 22.47, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Rhode Island
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Rhode Island compared to Minnesota:
| Pros of living in Minnesota |
Pros of living in Rhode Island |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
Delicious seafood |
| Multitudinous lakes |
Rich history |
| Diverse festivals |
Amazing beaches |
| Friendly people |
Short drives |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. Rhode Island
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Minnesota to Rhode Island:
| Cons of living in Minnesota |
Cons of living in Rhode Island |
| Bland food |
High cost of living |
| Cold snowy winters |
Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
| Terrible traffic |
Smallest state |
| High tax burden |
Cold winters |
| Thick accents |
Dense population |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
You’ll have plenty to explore in Rhode Island! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home 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 Minnesota to Rhode Island?
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to Rhode Island?
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Rhode Island?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Minnesota for Rhode Island, drawn by advantages like beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Rhode Island?
Living in Minnesota usually costs less than in Rhode Island.
Housing
is much more affordable in Minnesota,
with average rent about 1% less and home prices 29% lower than in Rhode Island.
However, taxes are
lower in Rhode Island, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Rhode Island, you should aim to make around $81,736.
On average, expect to spend about $3,527 per month, or $6,040 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.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Minnesota?
Many movers in Minnesota publish special-rate programs:
4 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Minnesota moving services
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For a move from Minnesota to Rhode Island, budget between $3,086–$6,874 for full-service movers, around
$2,514 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,496
for a rental truck.
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