How we chose the best moving companies for your RI to FL 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 Florida?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Rhode Island to Florida.
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 |
$1,093 – $4,326 |
$899 – $2,159 |
$743 – $1,479 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,452 – $5,626 |
$1,608 – $3,143 |
$803 – $1,812 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,273 – $8,199 |
$2,290 – $4,175 |
$1,063 – $2,167 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,318-mile move from RI to
FL 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 Florida
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to Florida will cost between
$1,093 and
$4,326.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from RI to FL will
range from $2,452 to
$5,626, and a large move from Rhode Island
to Florida will cost from $4,273
to $8,199.
Cost of moving containers from Rhode Island to Florida
If you’re moving from Rhode Island to Florida,
expect to pay between $899
and $2,159 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,608 up to
$3,143.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,290 and
$4,175. 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 Florida
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
$743 and
$1,479.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $803
and $1,812. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,063 up to
$2,167 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to FL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Rhode Island to Florida. 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 FL
A relocation from Rhode Island to Florida comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Rhode Island vs. Florida
Comparing expenses in Rhode Island and Florida 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 |
Florida |
| Average rent |
$1,195 |
$1,444 |
| Average home cost |
$467,485 |
$392,176 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,370 |
$67,917 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
102 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.6% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
7.08% |
| State income tax |
5.99% |
0.0% |
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Rent in Florida is approximately 21% higher than in Rhode Island, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 16% lower in Florida than in Rhode Island.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Florida are about 17% lower than in Rhode Island.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Florida and Rhode Island, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 37% lower than Rhode Island, Florida boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. Rhode Island and Florida have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Florida has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Rhode Island. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Florida 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 Florida stacks up against Rhode Island across important lifestyle factors:
|
Florida |
Rhode Island |
| Population |
22,610,726 |
1,093,734 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-48 |
Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
49ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
55″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
0″ |
35″ |
| Crime index |
21.39 |
14.58 |
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Florida is about 1967% more populous than Rhode Island.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Florida leaned Republican, while Rhode Island went with Democratic.
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Florida averages 91°F in summer compared to 82°F in Rhode Island.
That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Florida bottoms out around 49°F, compared to 19°F in Rhode Island.
A move to Florida with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
In Florida, you’ll get about 55 inches of rain each year, while Rhode Island sees around 50 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Florida doesn’t get snow, while Rhode Island sees around 35 inches annually.
Relocating to Florida means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
-
Florida has a higher crime rate than Rhode Island with a crime index of 21.39 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. Florida
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Florida versus Rhode Island:
| Pros of living in Rhode Island |
Pros of living in Florida |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Fantastic weather |
| Delicious seafood |
Abundant water recreational activities |
| Rich history |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Amazing beaches |
World-leading entertainment |
| Short drives |
Beautiful flora and fauna |
Comparing the cons of living in Rhode Island vs. Florida
Moving from Rhode Island to Florida 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 Florida |
| High cost of living |
High cost of living |
| Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
Poor healthcare |
| Smallest state |
Natural disasters |
| Cold winters |
Heat and humidity |
| Dense population |
High crime rate |
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to Florida 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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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State licensing:
Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Florida 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 Florida, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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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 Florida 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. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
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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 Florida
Get ready to discover all that Florida has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Florida
- Wynwood Halls
- The Ringling
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- The Dali Museum
Parks in Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Ocala National Forest
Sports teams in Florida
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Florida
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Rhode Island to Florida?
Do movers transport your car from Rhode Island to Florida?
What are the benefits of moving from Rhode Island to Florida?
The main reasons people are moving from Rhode Island to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida, such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Florida?
Living in Rhode Island usually costs less than in Florida.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Florida,
with average rent about 21% less and home prices 16% lower than in Rhode Island.
Taxes are also
lower in Florida, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Rhode Island residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Florida?
You should make approximately $61,933 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Florida.
The cost of living in Florida is about $3,010 per month for an individual and $7,388 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Jacksonville and Miami 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 Florida, expect to spend between
$2,452–$5,626 if using professional movers, about
$2,375 for a moving container, and around
$1,307
for a rental truck.
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