Best Movers from Rhode Island to California (2025 Cost Data)

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Rhode Island guide.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
• North American Van Lines: Best customized plans

1. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Economy Movers & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Chris Corrigan Moving Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Rhode Island to California

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to California, you can expect to spend between $1,578 and $7,072. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,807 to $10,448 on the same route (RI to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Rhode Island to California typically runs between $9,511 and $15,109.

Cost of moving containers from Rhode Island to California

Moving from Rhode Island to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,837 and $4,721. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,092 to $6,482. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,588 up to $9,515. 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 Rhode Island.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Rhode Island to California

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 $2,006 and $3,892. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,283 and $4,682. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,719 and $5,982.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to CA

Several factors influence the cost of moving from Rhode Island to California. Here’s what can impact your final bill:

• Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
• Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Rhode Island.
• DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.

• Rent in California is approximately 55% higher than in Rhode Island, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
• Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in California are usually around 65% higher than what you’ll find in Rhode Island.
• You’re likely to earn about 13% more in California than in Rhode Island. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
• Moving to California will cost you 34% more than living in Rhode Island, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
• Unemployment in California is about 17% higher than in Rhode Island. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
• Sales taxes are 24% higher in California than in Rhode Island, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• State income taxes in California are 122% higher than in Rhode Island, which means you'll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.

• If you’re relocating from Rhode Island to California, you’ll notice that California has about 3,468% more residents. With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
• The last presidential election saw both Rhode Island and California siding with the Democratic party.
• Summer temperatures in California can soar to 87ºF, noticeably hotter than Rhode Island, where highs typically reach 82ºF. Get ready for more sunshine, outdoor fun, and potentially higher cooling costs as you adjust to the warmer climate.
• Winter lows in California stay around 59ºF, while Rhode Island can plunge to a brisk 19ºF. Moving to California means you’ll get to experience milder winters, making day-to-day life simpler and often saving you money. With fewer icy days and less snow, you can spend more time outside and less time bundled up.
• In California, you’ll get about 22 inches of rain each year—less than the 50 inches you’re used to in Rhode Island. That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
• In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 35 inches you’d deal with in Rhode Island. So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
• California has a higher crime rate than Rhode Island, with crime indexes at 28.43 and 14.58, respectively. While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.

Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to California move

• Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
• 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: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
• Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
• State regulator: Quickly check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
• Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on time. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• 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.

Museums in California

• The Getty Center
• USS Midway Museum
• Hess Persson Estates
• California State Railroad Museum
• The Getty Villa

Parks in California

• La Jolla Cove
• Heisler Park
• Sonoma Plaza
• Mount Rubidoux Park
• Redwood Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

• Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
• Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
• San Jose Sharks (NHL)
• Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

Universities in California

• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Southern California
• University of California, San Diego