How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to RI move
Using rate data from 10 West Virginia movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to Rhode Island?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from West Virginia
to Rhode Island with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,179 – $3,528 |
$689 – $1,597 |
$490 – $838 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,108 – $5,364 |
$1,291 – $2,545 |
$534 – $1,089 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,895 – $8,154 |
$1,743 – $3,140 |
$667 – $1,267 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 658-mile move from WV to
RI, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from West Virginia to Rhode Island
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to Rhode Island,
you can expect to spend between $1,179
and $3,528.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $2,108 to
$5,364 on the same route
(WV to RI). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from West Virginia to Rhode Island typically runs between
$3,895 and
$8,154.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Rhode Island
Moving from West Virginia to Rhode Island? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $689 and
$1,597. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,291 to
$2,545. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,743 up to
$3,140. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to Rhode Island
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$490 and
$838.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$534 and
$1,089.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $667 and
$1,267.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to RI
There are many factors that influence West Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from West Virginia to Rhode Island will depend on these factors:
-
How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in West Virginia fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from WV to RI
Moving between West Virginia and Rhode Island involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Rhode Island
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
West Virginia and Rhode Island. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
West Virginia |
Rhode Island |
| Average rent |
$899 |
$1,195 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$467,485 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$81,370 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
4.6% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
7.0% |
| State income tax |
6.5% |
5.99% |
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Rent costs 33% more in Rhode Island compared to West Virginia. Be sure to factor this increase into your monthly budget.
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Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in Rhode Island to be about 178% more than what you’ll find in West Virginia.
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Great news — you’re likely to make about 47% more in Rhode Island compared to West Virginia. That boost could translate to extra savings or new investment opportunities every month.
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Moving to Rhode Island will cost you 11% more than living in West Virginia, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
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Rhode Island has a higher unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 10%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
-
Shoppers in Rhode Island pay about 17% more in sales tax than those in West Virginia, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
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Income taxes in Rhode Island are 8% lower than in West Virginia. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Rhode Island vs. West Virginia
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Rhode Island differs from West Virginia in these areas.
|
Rhode Island |
West Virginia |
| Population |
1,093,734 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 56-44 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
45″ |
| Annual snow |
35″ |
33″ |
| Crime index |
14.58 |
17.47 |
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With a population about 39% smaller than West Virginia, Rhode Island offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living.
Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
-
In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and West Virginia voted Republican.
-
Summer highs in Rhode Island average 82°F, almost the same as 83°F in West Virginia.
With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
-
In Rhode Island, winter lows are about 19°F, while West Virginia averages 21°F.
With such a small difference, your seasonal routine and expenses should stay about the same.
-
In Rhode Island, you’ll get about 50 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 45 inches you’ve been used to in West Virginia.
Although the total rainfall won’t change much with your move, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls might affect your daily routine.
-
In Rhode Island, you’ll get about 35 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, West Virginia usually sees around 33 inches annually.
With snowfall levels being similar in both states, you shouldn’t run into any surprising weather issues after you move.
-
Rhode Island offers a safer environment than West Virginia, with a crime index of 14.58 versus 17.47.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Rhode Island
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Rhode Island stacks up against West Virginia:
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in Rhode Island |
| Low cost of living |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Delicious seafood |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
Rich history |
| Immense natural beauty |
Amazing beaches |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Short drives |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. Rhode Island
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from West Virginia to Rhode Island, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in Rhode Island |
| Dismal economy |
High cost of living |
| High rates of crime |
Heavy traffic and lousy drivers |
| High rates of drug abuse |
Smallest state |
| Shrinking population |
Cold winters |
| Lack of diversity |
Dense population |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Rhode Island move
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
-
State licensing:
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry.
The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current.
To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Rhode Island moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Rhode Island right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
-
Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Rhode Island
Get ready to discover Rhode Island. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Rhode Island
- The Breakers
- Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
- Providence Children’s Museum
- John Brown House Museum
- Old Slater Mill
Parks in Rhode Island
- Water Place Park
- Roger Williams Park
- Goddard State Park
- India Point Park
- Fort Adams State Park
Sports teams in Rhode Island
- Providence Bruins (AHL)
- Brown Bears (NCAA)
Universities in Rhode Island
- Brown University
- University of Rhode Island
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rhode Island College
- Johnson and Wales University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from West Virginia to Rhode Island?
Do movers transport your car from West Virginia to Rhode Island?
What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Rhode Island?
More and more folks are relocating from West Virginia to Rhode Island to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.
Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Rhode Island?
Living in West Virginia usually costs less than in Rhode Island.
Housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 25% less and home prices 64% lower than in Rhode Island.
However, taxes are
lower in Rhode Island, most notably income taxes, which are more than 8% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Rhode Island, aim for an income of around $81,736 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $3,527 if you’re flying solo, or $6,040 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Providence and Warwick usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
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When planning a move from West Virginia to Rhode Island, professional movers typically run between
$2,108 and $5,364, a moving container averages about
$1,918, and a rental truck is around
$811.
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