Best California to Rhode Island Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from California to Rhode Island and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,079 mile CA to RI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 296 California to Rhode Island moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Rhode Island. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best California to Rhode Island Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.639.59Authorized For HHGContact
4Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck8.288.79Authorized For PropertyContact
6G Metz Moving7.878.82Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from California to Rhode Island

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,079 miles from California to Rhode Island will cost on average $4,400 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to RI move is roughly $10,645. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Rhode Island as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Rhode Island movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,948300 ft³9.83
1 Bedroom$4,400450 ft³9.78
2 Bedrooms$7,295750 ft³9.73
3 Bedrooms$10,6451100 ft³9.68
4 Bedrooms$15,4031600 ft³9.63
5+ Bedrooms$17,2381800 ft³9.58
*Please note: These California to Rhode Island moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Rhode Island. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to RI mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CA to RI Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

Chico, CA, 95973

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Very Good8.28/10
based on 310+ data points

205 Hallene Rd

Warwick, RI, 02886

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a national, full-service moving company with over 35 years of experience. Based in Lansing, MI,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3620733 / 1236673

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved3,532 (2022)
View Full Review
5
G Metz Moving Logo

G Metz Moving

Good7.87/10
based on 938+ data points

21a Mead St

Seekonk, MA, 02771

About G Metz Moving

G Metz Moving is a local, Seekonk-based business that helps customers move within Providence, across Rhode Island, and anywhere in the...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Small House Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2296800 / 787242

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved185,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Rhode Island

Moving states is a significant life change that brings with it many considerations. This comparative guide aims to provide an honest reflection of California to Rhode Island , highlighting both the challenges and delights you may face in such a relocation. The purpose of these charts is to help you weigh the pros and cons of a move from California to Rhode Island , ensuring you're fully informed about your decision.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Earthquake risk
  • Large population
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congested
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • Smaller, close-knit communities
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Smaller job market
  • Smaller geographic area
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer entertainment options
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant job market
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Mild winters
  • Vast entertainment options

While the cost of living in California can strain your budget, Rhode Island offers a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing the quality. You'll find housing, groceries, and utilities more manageable, allowing you to enjoy the quaint charm of cities like Providence. Traffic in California can be daunting, yet in Rhode Island, locales such as Newport and Warwick are easier to navigate, freeing up time otherwise spent in commutes. Though the entertainment options in Rhode Island might seem limited compared to California's vast array, local gems like the RISD Museum and the vibrant restaurant scene in Federal Hill offer unique experiences. Moreover, Rhode Island's tight-knit communities foster a sense of belonging that large Californian cities often lack, yet its smaller job market may require some adjustment. Balancing these factors is crucial in making your relocation as smooth as possible.

California vs. Rhode Island Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Rhode Island, highlighting the significance of food in understanding a place's culture and lifestyle. It aims at offering you insights into the food scene of both states, helping you navigate your new culinary environment seamlessly.

CaliforniaRhode Island
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadStuffies (Stuffed Clams)
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BarbecueClam Cakes
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Wieners
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegan Lobster Roll
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Al Forno
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • The Modern Bistro
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is vibrant and diverse with a famous emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The state is renowned for its street food, especially tacos, found in bustling food trucks throughout cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. On the other hand, Rhode Island offers a unique culinary adventure with its seafood-centric diet. Stuffies and clam cakes represent the state's rich maritime heritage, best enjoyed in coastal towns like Newport and Narragansett. Both states offer compelling food experiences, but Rhode Island will charm you with its quaint eateries and local specialties.

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California vs. Rhode Island Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, it's crucial to understand the real estate landscape, as it plays a significant role in the transition. Finding the right home can influence your lifestyle and happiness, making it essential to compare how California and Rhode Island measure up in terms of housing options, costs, and quality of life.

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPool, Open floor planWaterfront, Historic details

California and Rhode Island offer distinct living experiences, as evidenced by the significant differences in housing costs and style. In California, the modern and Spanish architecture reflects the state's historical influences and contemporary tastes, often accompanied by amenities like pools to combat the warmer climate. In contrast, Rhode Island's colonial and Victorian homes echo its rich historical past, with many properties boasting unique historical details and waterfront views. The difference in median home prices highlights the more affordable nature of Rhode Island's market, combined with a slightly better walkability rating, suggesting a more community-focused, accessible living environment. These factors are crucial for anyone considering making the jump from the sprawling expanses of California to the cozy confines of the Ocean State.

California vs. Rhode Island Weather Considerations

When planning a move, it's crucial to consider how the climate of your new home compares to what you're used to. Understanding the differences in weather between California and Rhode Island will help you prepare for your relocation, ensuring no surprises with seasonal changes, humidity levels, or sunshine days.

Summer icon
85°F/55°F

California

82°F/63°F

Rhode Island

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F/45°F

California

40°F/20°F

Rhode Island

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

50

Rhode Island

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0-200 (varies greatly by region)

California

33

Rhode Island

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Air QualityVaries GreatlyGenerally Good
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from California to Rhode Island introduces quite a shift in climate, particularly in terms of humidity, winter temperatures, and sunshine days. You'll find Rhode Island significantly more humid with harsher winters, featuring much lower temperatures and more snowfall—average snowfall in Rhode Island is about 33 inches yearly compared to California, where snowfall heavily depends on the region. Additionally, while California enjoys more sunny days annually, Rhode Island experiences higher rainfall, which contributes to its lush landscapes but also means more preparation for wet weather.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Rhode Island

When considering a move from California to Rhode Island, it's crucial to understand how the financial landscape will change. This comparison aims to shed light on key financial aspects, helping you adjust your budget and expectations accordingly. The chart focuses on the cost of living, taxes, and economic environment between California and Rhode Island, providing a clear picture of what to expect.

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$91,551$81,854
Cost of Living Index136.4123.3
State Income Tax1 - 13.33.75 - 5.99
Avg. Property Tax0.731.53
Avg. Sales Tax8.567.00
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureHealth Services, Tourism, Manufacturing
AffluenceVariedComfortable
PovertyLower than national avg.Near national avg.
HomelessnessHighModerate

The move from California to Rhode Island represents a significant shift in financial realities. Although the average household income is lower in Rhode Island, the cost of living is markedly less compared to California, highlighted by the cost of living index. This difference can make your day-to-day life more affordable, despite the higher property tax rate in Rhode Island. The economic environments also vary, with California being a hub for technology and entertainment, whereas Rhode Island's economy leans more towards health services and tourism. Understanding these distinctions is key to making a smooth transition.

California vs. Rhode Island Political & Religious Comparison

This guide aims to provide a quick snapshot comparing the political and religious makeup of California and Rhode Island residents. This overview will help you understand the comparison of the politics between California & Rhode Island and the religious landscape you’re about to navigate.

CaliforniaRhode Island
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic majorityLiberal/Democratic majority
Local PoliticsDiverse, with a strong progressive influence in urban areasMore homogenously Democratic, with local politics heavily leaning towards liberal policies
ReligionHighly diverse, with no single dominant religionPredominantly Catholic, but with growing diversity

Moving from California to Rhode Island, you'll find both states share a liberal/Democratic majority, yet the local political climate has its nuances. In California, the political scene is vibrant and diverse, especially in urban areas where progressive values are strong. Transitioning to Rhode Island, while the Democratic slant remains, the state’s politics are less about progressive vs. conservative divides and more unified under the Democratic umbrella. Furthermore, while California prides itself on religious diversity, Rhode Island has a significant Catholic presence. However, similar to California, Rhode Island is experiencing an increase in religious diversity, reflecting the broader national trend towards inclusivity in faith communities.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Rhode Island

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to education for your children or for pursuing higher education yourself. To ease this transition, we have created a comparison chart to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Rhode Island . This concise overview will give you insights into the educational landscape of both states, enabling more informed decisions.

CaliforniaRhode Island

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
Brown University
University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island School of Design

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley)
Montecito Union (Santa Barbara)
Rockwell Elementary (Bristol)
Nayatt School (Barrington)
Community Elementary School (Cumberland)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley)
The Girls Middle School (Palo Alto)
Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla)
Barrington Middle School (Barrington)
Wickford Middle School (North Kingstown)
Lincoln Middle School (Lincoln)

Top 3 High School Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Lynbrook High School (San Jose)
Classical High School (Providence)
Barrington High School (Barrington)
East Greenwich High (East Greenwich)

Top 3 private high schools

The Thacher School (Ojai)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Moses Brown School (Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
St. George's School (Middletown)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
Chadwick School (Palos Verdes Peninsula)
Gordon School (East Providence)
The Wheeler School (Providence)
Lincoln School (Providence)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified
Los Altos School District
San Marino Unified
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District

When considering the move from California to Rhode Island, note the diversity and prestige of educational options available. For instance, Rhode Island may offer a more intimate educational setting with top universities like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design drawing students worldwide. Similarly, California's universities, such as UCLA and Stanford, are recognized globally for their academic excellence. Primary and secondary education also shows distinct choices with California offering iconic institutions like The Harker School for K-12 education, while Rhode Island's Moses Brown School and The Wheeler School tout long histories of providing quality education. Understanding these differences is crucial to finding the right fit for your educational needs or those of your family.

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