How we chose the best moving companies for your RI to CO move
After studying pricing from 10 Rhode Island movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Colorado?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Rhode Island to Colorado.
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 |
$1,101 – $4,412 |
$1,107 – $2,627 |
$1,060 – $2,217 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,992 – $6,773 |
$2,089 – $4,053 |
$1,221 – $2,613 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,549 – $9,408 |
$2,780 – $5,247 |
$1,601 – $3,137 |
*Estimated costs for a 2,004-mile move from RI to
CO are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Rhode Island to Colorado
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to Colorado will cost between
$1,101 and
$4,412.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from RI to CO will
range from $2,992 to
$6,773, and a large move from Rhode Island
to Colorado will cost from $5,549
to $9,408.
Cost of moving containers from Rhode Island to Colorado
If you’re moving from Rhode Island to Colorado,
expect to pay between $1,107
and $2,627 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$2,089 up to
$4,053.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,780 and
$5,247. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Rhode Island.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Rhode Island to Colorado
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$1,060 and
$2,217.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,221
and $2,613. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,601 up to
$3,137 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to CO
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Rhode Island to Colorado. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Rhode Island is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from RI to CO
A relocation from Rhode Island to Colorado comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Rhode Island vs. Colorado
Comparing expenses in Rhode Island and Colorado shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Rhode Island |
Colorado |
| Average rent |
$1,195 |
$1,594 |
| Average home cost |
$467,485 |
$541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,370 |
$87,598 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
91 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.6% |
4.1% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
7.81% |
| State income tax |
5.99% |
5.49% |
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Rent in Colorado is approximately 33% higher than in Rhode Island, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 16% higher in Colorado than in Rhode Island.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 8% higher in Colorado compared to Rhode Island. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Colorado is about 9% cheaper than Rhode Island. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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With an unemployment rate about 11% lower than Rhode Island, Colorado boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 12% higher in Colorado than in Rhode Island, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 8% lower in Colorado than in Rhode Island. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Colorado vs. Rhode Island
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Colorado stacks up against Rhode Island across important lifestyle factors:
|
Colorado |
Rhode Island |
| Population |
5,877,610 |
1,093,734 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 54-46 |
Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
13ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
16″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
63″ |
35″ |
| Crime index |
36.4 |
14.58 |
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Colorado is about 437% more populous than Rhode Island.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
-
In the most recent presidential election, Colorado leaned Democrat, while Rhode Island went with Democratic.
-
In Colorado, summer highs hover around 86°F, while Rhode Island sits at 82°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Colorado drops to about 13°F while Rhode Island only reaches 19°F.
Moving to Colorado with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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You’ll enjoy about 16 inches of rain each year in Colorado, compared to 50 inches in Rhode Island.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
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Every year, Colorado gets around 63 inches of snow, much more than the 35 inches that Rhode Island typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
-
Colorado has a higher crime rate than Rhode Island with a crime index of 36.4 vs. 14.58.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Rhode Island vs. Colorado
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Colorado versus Rhode Island:
| Pros of living in Rhode Island |
Pros of living in Colorado |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious seafood |
Awesome snow recreational activities |
| Rich history |
Quality healthcare |
| Amazing beaches |
High quality of life |
| Short drives |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Rhode Island vs. Colorado
Moving from Rhode Island to Colorado comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Rhode Island |
Cons of living in Colorado |
| High cost of living |
Extreme weather |
| Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
High cost of living |
| Smallest state |
Altitude sickness |
| Cold winters |
Overcrowding |
| Dense population |
Bad traffic |
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to Colorado move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
-
State licensing:
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify a Colorado moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Colorado without a hitch. Get started here.
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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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you’re hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Colorado
Get ready to discover all that Colorado has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Rhode Island to Colorado?
Do movers transport your car from Rhode Island to Colorado?
What are the benefits of moving from Rhode Island to Colorado?
The main reasons people are moving from Rhode Island to Colorado are the amazing upsides of living in Colorado, such as ample economic opportunity and awesome snow recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Colorado?
Living in Rhode Island usually costs less than in Colorado.
Housing
is more affordable in Rhode Island,
with average rent about 25% less and home prices 14% lower than in Colorado.
However, taxes are
lower in Colorado, most notably income taxes, which are more than 8% less than those paid by Rhode Island residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Colorado?
You should make approximately $85,853 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Colorado.
The cost of living in Colorado is about $4,016 per month for an individual and $8,875 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Castle Pines North and Carbonate tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
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When moving from Rhode Island to Colorado, expect to spend between
$2,992–$6,773 if using professional movers, about
$3,071 for a moving container, and around
$1,917
for a rental truck.
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