($1,097) Moving From Virginia to Rhode Island

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Virginia to Rhode Island ranges from $479 to $5,263 and takes one-six days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Virginia to Rhode Island separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Virginia to Rhode Island movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Virginia to Rhode Island is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Virginia to Rhode Island:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Virginia movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
My Pro Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
8370 Greensboro Dr Apt 817, McLean, VA, 22102
(703) 310-7333
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA, 23701
(757) 356-2830

Visit our Best Movers in Virginia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Virginia to Rhode Island?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Virginia to Rhode Island for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,097 - $3,194 $743 - $1,775 $486 - $880
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,045 - $5,263 $1,354 - $2,530 $479 - $983
4+ bedrooms $3,581 - $7,236 $1,755 - $3,299 $611 - $1,261

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 577 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to RI

There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to Rhode Island will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Virginia to Rhode Island?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Virginia to Rhode Island will cost between $1,097 and $3,194. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from VA to RI will range from $2,045 to $5,263, and a large move from Virginia to Rhode Island will cost from $3,581 to $7,236.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Virginia to Rhode Island?

Moving containers from Virginia to Rhode Island will cost you $743 to $1,775 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,354 to $2,530. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,755 to $3,299. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.

How much is a moving truck from Virginia to Rhode Island?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $486 to $880. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $479 to $983, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Virginia to Rhode Island costs from $611 to $1,261.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Virginia to Rhode Island a good idea?

If you’re moving to Rhode Island from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Virginia vs. Rhode Island

Virginia Rhode Island
Average rent cost $1,257 $1,031
Average home cost $372,801 $435,415
Average income (per capita) $87,249 $81,370
Cost of Living Index 0 100
Unemployment rate 3.3% 2.7%
Average Sales Tax 5.73% 7.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 5.99%
  • Rent is about 18% less expensive in Rhode Island than in Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 17% higher in Rhode Island than in Virginia.
  • The average income is about 7% lower in Rhode Island than in Virginia.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Rhode Island than in Virginia.
  • Rhode Island has a lower unemployment rate than Virginia by about 18%.
  • Sales taxes are 22% higher in Rhode Island than in Virginia.
  • Income taxes are 4% higher in Rhode Island than in Virginia.

How does life in Rhode Island differ from Virginia?

Rhode Island Virginia
Population 1,093,734 8,683,619
Political leaning Democratic 60-39 Democratic 54-44
Summer high 82ºF 87ºF
Winter low 19ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 50" 44"
Annual snow 35" 14"
Crime index 14.5 17.05
  • The population of Rhode Island is approximately 87% lower than the population of Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and Virginia voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about fifty inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus forty-four inches of rainfall in Virginia.
  • In Rhode Island, it snows about thirty-five inches annually versus fourteen inches of snow in Virginia.
  • Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 17.05 vs 14.5.

Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Rhode Island

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Virginia versus Rhode Island side by side.

Pros of living in Virginia Pros of living in Rhode Island
Strong economy Beautiful landscapes
Beautiful scenery Delicious seafood
Abundance of outdoor activities Rich history
Enjoyable four season weather Amazing beaches
Strong military presence Short drives

Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Rhode Island

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for Rhode Island.

Cons of living in Virginia Cons of living in Rhode Island
High cost of living High cost of living
Unpredictable weather Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
Bad traffic congestion Smallest state
Lack of public transportation Cold winters
Air noise pollution Dense population

What to know before your move to Rhode Island

  • Weather: Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Rhode Island moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: 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 Rhode Island. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Rhode Island

While you’re in Rhode Island, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs
  • Newport Cliff Walk
  • The Breakers, Newport
  • WaterFire Providence
  • Rough Point
  • The Providence Athenaeum
  • The Elms
  • Blithewold Mansion & Gardens
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo
  • Providence Children's Museum
  • RISD Museum of Art
  • Bellevue Avenue Historic District
  • Narragansett Bay Beaches
  • Colt State Park
  • Benefit Street and John Brown House
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum
  • Fort Adams State Park
  • Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame
  • Misquamicut State Beach
  • Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
  • National Museum of American Illustration
  • Naval War College Museum
  • McCoy Stadium
  • Adventureland Family Fun Park
  • Rhode Island State House
  • Living Sharks Museum
  • Bowen’s Wharf
  • Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
  • Newport Car Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Rhode Island?

The cheapest way to move from Virginia to Rhode Island is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Rhode Island?

The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Rhode Island are the amazing upsides of living in Rhode Island such as beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.

Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Rhode Island?

It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in Rhode Island. Housing is more affordable in Virginia, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 14% lower than in Rhode Island. Taxes are also lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 4% less than those paid by Rhode Island residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Rhode Island you live For example, larger cities like Barrington and Bristol will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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