When relocating from Rhode Island to New York, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,081 to
$3,235, roughly
$1,278 for a container move, and close to
$271
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to New York?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $609 – $2,296 | $500 – $1,227 | $173 – $306 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,081 – $3,235 | $940 – $1,617 | $182 – $360 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,466 – $4,188 | $1,202 – $2,145 | $226 – $412 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $609 – $2,296
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,081 – $3,235
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,466 – $4,188
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to New York?
- Small move: $500 – $1,227
- 2–3 bedrooms: $940 – $1,617
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,202 – $2,145
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $173 – $306
- 2–3 bedrooms: $182 – $360
- 4+ bedrooms: $226 – $412
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 166-mile move from RI to NY 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 NY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $1,507 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $81,386 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 10.9% |
Will rent be more expensive in New York?
Rent is about 26% higher in New York than in Rhode Island.
Avg rent: $1,195 vs. $1,507
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Rhode Island and New York.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $482,742
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Rhode Island and New York.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $81,386
Is the overall cost of living higher in New York?
The cost of living is about the same in Rhode Island and New York.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 22% higher in New York than in Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% vs. 8.52%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 82% higher in New York than in Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 10.9%
How is daily life different in New York compared to Rhode Island?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| New York | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,571,216 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-40 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 62″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 21.51 | 14.58 |
Will New York feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
New York is about 1689% 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 New York voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (16°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in New York?
Rain: New York gets less rain (44″ vs. 50″).
Snow: New York gets more snow (62 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is New York safer than Rhode Island?
New York has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (21.51 vs. 14.58). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in New York?
Museums in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks in New York
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Central Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports teams in New York
- Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York
- Cornell University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to New York 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a New York moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in New York, 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 New York. 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 New York?
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 New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a New York moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in New York?
No moving permit is required in New York, 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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
Popular moving resources
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