CA to RI Moving Specialists

California to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 3,079 mile interstate move from California to Rhode Island? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Rhode Island across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Sourdough Bread vs Stuffies (Stuffed Clams)), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sourdough Bread and Tri-tip Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) & Clam Cakes
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 23.65% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Rhode Island will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,500
  • Our top recommended California to Rhode Island movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Top California to Rhode Island Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Rhode Island movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Rhode Island

9.67/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
Exceptional

California to Rhode Island Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Rhode Island

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Earthquake risks
  • Water shortages
ProsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • More affordable housing
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Abundant water resources

Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Limited coastline
California iconCalifornia
  • Mild climate
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Innovative tech hubs
  • Ocean coastline

Pros of moving from California to Rhode Island

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Rhode Island with less traffic congestion
  • Swap the earthquake risks of California for fewer natural disasters in Rhode Island
  • Get ready for abundant water resources in Rhode Island

Cons of moving from California to Rhode Island

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with colder winters in Rhode Island
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant cultural scene and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to innovative tech hubs and get used to fewer tech opportunities in Rhode Island
  • Swap the ocean coastline for a limited coastline

California vs. Rhode Island: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode 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 ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Rhode Island, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Stuffies (Stuffed Clams) of Rhode Island. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Barbecue and sumptuous Tacos, Rhode Island residents know they have tasty Clam Cakes and Hot Wieners to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Lobster Roll of Rhode Island. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and In-N-Out Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in Rhode Island, don't wait too long before making your way to Rhode Island's acclaimed eateries like Al Forno, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and The Modern Bistro.

When comparing lifestyles, Rhode Island shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Rhode Island, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Rhode Island.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Rhode Island

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPool, Open floor planWaterfront, Historic details
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Rhode Island.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings which commonly reference pools and open floor plans, Rhode Island real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Rhode Island is more walkable than California.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Rhode Island is more bike-friendly than California.
  • Rhode Island has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Rhode Island housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $451,868 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Rhode Island have increased by 55% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Rhode Island is 23.65% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Rhode Island

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Air QualityVaries GreatlyGenerally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/55Β°F82Β°F/63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F/45Β°F40Β°F/20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0-200 (varies greatly by region)33
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Rhode Island. Rhode Island gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Rhode Island has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and hurricanes in Rhode Island.
  • The average summer high temperature in Rhode Island is 3 degrees colder than in California.
  • The average winter lows are 25 degrees colder than they are in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Rhode Island. Rhode Island receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Rhode Island

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode Island
Avg. Household Income$91,551$81,854
Cost of Living Index136.4123.3
State Income Tax13.35.99
Avg. Property Tax0.731.63
Avg. Sales Tax7.257.00
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Rhode Island tend to earn about 11% less than in California
  • The COLI in Rhode Island will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in RI is 5.99 compared to 13.3 in CA
  • The affluence in Rhode Island is moderate compared to high in California
  • The poverty level is low in Rhode Island compared to moderate in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Rhode Island

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Rhode Island

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode 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
  • California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic majority in its political climate
  • Rhode Island, on the other hand, is often described as a Liberal/Democratic majority
  • Rhode Island's religious environment can be described as predominantly Catholic but with growing diversity
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly diverse with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from California to Rhode Island

ComparisonCaliforniaRhode 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 SchoolsOrion 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 SchoolsMill 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 SchoolsHenry 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 schoolsThe 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsPalo Alto Unified
Los Altos School District
San Marino Unified
Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District

How Much Do California to Rhode Island Movers Cost?

Moving 3,079 miles from California to Rhode Island will typically cost between $4,500 and $10,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,500 - $10,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,948300 ft3$9.83
1 Bedroom$4,400450 ft3$9.78
2 Bedrooms$7,295750 ft3$9.73
3 Bedrooms$10,6451100 ft3$9.68
4 Bedrooms$15,4031600 ft3$9.63
5+ Bedrooms$17,2381800 ft3$9.58

Los Angeles to Rhode Island

San Diego to Rhode Island

San Jose to Rhode Island

San Francisco to Rhode Island

Fresno to Rhode Island

Sacramento to Rhode Island

Long Beach to Rhode Island

Oakland to Rhode Island

Bakersfield to Rhode Island

Anaheim to Rhode Island

Santa Ana to Rhode Island

Riverside to Rhode Island

Stockton to Rhode Island

Irvine to Rhode Island

Chula Vista to Rhode Island

Fremont to Rhode Island

    San Bernardino to Rhode Island

      Modesto to Rhode Island

        Fontana to Rhode Island

          Moreno Valley to Rhode Island

            Santa Clarita to Rhode Island

              Oxnard to Rhode Island

                Glendale to Rhode Island

                  Huntington Beach to Rhode Island

                    Ontario to Rhode Island

                      Rancho Cucamonga to Rhode Island

                        Santa Rosa to Rhode Island

                          Oceanside to Rhode Island

                            Elk Grove to Rhode Island

                              Garden Grove to Rhode Island

                                Corona to Rhode Island

                                  Hayward to Rhode Island

                                    Lancaster to Rhode Island

                                      Salinas to Rhode Island

                                        Palmdale to Rhode Island

                                          Sunnyvale to Rhode Island

                                            Pomona to Rhode Island

                                              Escondido to Rhode Island