When relocating from Rhode Island to California, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,976 to
$7,672, roughly
$4,015 for a container move, and close to
$2,740
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,229 – $5,344 | $1,488 – $3,570 | $1,562 – $3,001 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,976 – $7,672 | $2,662 – $5,368 | $1,761 – $3,720 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,263 – $11,648 | $3,328 – $6,975 | $2,117 – $4,523 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,229 – $5,344
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,976 – $7,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,263 – $11,648
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to California?
- Small move: $1,488 – $3,570
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,662 – $5,368
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,328 – $6,975
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,562 – $3,001
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,761 – $3,720
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 – $4,523
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 3,077-mile move from RI to CA 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 CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 55% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
Avg rent: $1,195 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 65% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 13% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 34% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 24% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 122% higher in California than in Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Rhode Island?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| California | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 14.58 |
Will California feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
California is about 3468% more populous than Rhode Island — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Rhode Island and California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 50″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is California safer than Rhode Island?
California has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (28.43 vs. 14.58). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to California 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in California, 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 California. 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- 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 California?
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 California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
No moving permit is required in California, 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
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