How we chose the best moving companies for your RI to MA move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 10 Rhode Island moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Rhode Island to Massachusetts.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$422 – $1,887 |
$347 – $815 |
$65 – $107 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$889 – $2,653 |
$677 – $1,261 |
$80 – $125 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,257 – $3,225 |
$873 – $1,457 |
$86 – $144 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 76-mile move from RI to
MA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to Massachusetts typically costs between
$422 and
$1,887.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$889
and $2,653
when moving from RI to MA.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Rhode Island to Massachusetts,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,257
up to $3,225.
Cost of moving containers from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
If you’re relocating from Rhode Island to Massachusetts,
you’ll typically spend between $347
and $815 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$677 up to
$1,261.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$873 and
$1,457. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Rhode Island.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Rhode Island to Massachusetts
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$65 and
$107.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$80 to
$125.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $86 and
$144.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to MA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Rhode Island to Massachusetts. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Rhode Island, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from RI to MA
Transitioning from Rhode Island to Massachusetts gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Rhode Island and Massachusetts are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Rhode Island |
Massachusetts |
| Average rent |
$1,195 |
$1,588 |
| Average home cost |
$467,485 |
$623,131 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,370 |
$96,505 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.6% |
3.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
6.25% |
| State income tax |
5.99% |
9.0% |
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Rent is about 33% more expensive in Massachusetts than in Rhode Island. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Massachusetts are roughly 33% higher than in Rhode Island.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 19% more in Massachusetts than in Rhode Island. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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With a similar cost of living in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 15% lower than Rhode Island, Massachusetts offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax in Massachusetts is 11% lower than in Rhode Island, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
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Income taxes are 50% higher in Massachusetts compared to Rhode Island. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Massachusetts vs. Rhode Island
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Massachusetts and Rhode Island compare.
|
Massachusetts |
Rhode Island |
| Population |
7,001,399 |
1,093,734 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
16ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
49″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
47″ |
35″ |
| Crime index |
13.92 |
14.58 |
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If you’re moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, you’ll find Massachusetts has about 540% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
-
The last presidential election saw both Rhode Island and Massachusetts siding with the Democratic party.
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The average summer high in Massachusetts is 82°F, while Rhode Island averages 82°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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During the coldest months, Massachusetts averages 16°F while Rhode Island sees lows of 19°F.
With temperatures so close, you can expect a smooth transition between climates.
-
In Massachusetts, you’ll experience about 49 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 50 inches you’re used to in Rhode Island.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
-
Each year, Massachusetts gets about 47 inches of snow, far more than the 35 inches you might be accustomed to in Rhode Island.
That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
-
Massachusetts and Rhode Island share similar crime rates (14.58).
However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Massachusetts to Rhode Island:
| Pros of living in Rhode Island |
Pros of living in Massachusetts |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Natural beauty |
| Delicious seafood |
Excellent education system |
| Rich history |
Delicious seafood |
| Amazing beaches |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Short drives |
Home to boston |
Comparing the cons of living in Rhode Island vs. Massachusetts
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts:
| Cons of living in Rhode Island |
Cons of living in Massachusetts |
| High cost of living |
Bad traffic |
| Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
Poor driving conditions |
| Smallest state |
Harsh winter weather |
| Cold winters |
High cost of living |
| Dense population |
Peculiar liquor laws |
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to Massachusetts 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:
Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in
Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
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State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Massachusetts moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Massachusetts, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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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 Massachusetts. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Massachusetts
Get excited to explore Massachusetts. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Massachusetts
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxet
- Whaling Museum
- John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks in Massachusetts
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports teams in Massachusetts
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts?
Do movers transport your car from Rhode Island to Massachusetts?
What are the benefits of moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts?
Many people are making the move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Massachusetts has to offer, like natural beauty and excellent education system.
Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Massachusetts?
Living in Rhode Island usually costs less than in Massachusetts.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Rhode Island,
with average rent about 25% less and home prices 25% lower than in Massachusetts.
Taxes are also
lower in Rhode Island, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Massachusetts residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
Planning to move to Massachusetts? A single adult should aim for an income of around $69,365 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $3,900 for an individual, or $8,765 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Boston and Worcester usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
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When relocating from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, expect professional movers to cost around
$889 to
$2,653, roughly
$969 for a container move, and close to
$102
for a rental truck.
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