For a move from Rhode Island to Arizona, budget between $3,208–$6,689 for full-service movers, around
$3,424 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$2,209
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Arizona?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,185 – $5,041 | $1,312 – $3,073 | $1,355 – $2,597 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,208 – $6,689 | $2,285 – $4,563 | $1,453 – $2,966 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,219 – $10,992 | $2,959 – $6,715 | $1,890 – $3,945 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,185 – $5,041
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,208 – $6,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,219 – $10,992
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to Arizona?
- Small move: $1,312 – $3,073
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,285 – $4,563
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,959 – $6,715
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,355 – $2,597
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,453 – $2,966
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,890 – $3,945
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 2,504-mile move from RI to AZ 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 RI to AZ?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.4% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 2.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Arizona?
Rent is about 9% higher in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
Avg rent: $1,195 vs. $1,308
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 8% lower in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $428,711
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 11% lower in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $72,581
Is the overall cost of living higher in Arizona?
The cost of living is 7% higher in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 107
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 20% higher in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% vs. 8.4%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 58% lower in Arizona than in Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 2.5%
How is daily life different in Arizona compared to Rhode Island?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Arizona | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 14.58 |
Will Arizona feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
Arizona is about 579% more populous than Rhode Island — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat while Rhode Island voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Arizona is hotter on average (99°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: Arizona is milder on average (34°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Arizona?
Rain: Arizona gets less rain (12″ vs. 50″).
Snow: Arizona gets less snow (6 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is Arizona safer than Rhode Island?
Arizona has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (24.89 vs. 14.58). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Arizona?
Museums in Arizona
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
Parks in Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Sports teams in Arizona
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
Universities in Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to Arizona 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Arizona moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Arizona, 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 Arizona 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- 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 Arizona?
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 Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Arizona moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Arizona?
You don’t need a moving permit in Arizona, 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Rhode Island routes
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