Rhode Island to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to California

ConsRhode Island

• Cold winters
• Limited job market
• Lack of entertainment options
• High property taxes
• Small state size

ProsCalifornia

• Mild winters
• Expansive job market
• Abundant entertainment offerings
• Lower property taxes
• Diverse landscapes

---

California

• Higher living costs
• Heavy traffic
• Earthquake risk
• Overcrowded cities
• Wildfire concerns

Rhode Island

• Coastal charm
• Close-knit communities
• Rich history
• Quaint environment
• Serene beaches

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to California

• Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to California with an expansive job market
• Swap the lack of entertainment options of Rhode Island for abundant entertainment offerings in California
• Get ready for lower property taxes in California

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal charm in Rhode Island to live with higher living costs in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of heavy traffic
• Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to the earthquake risk in California
• Swap the quaint environment for overcrowded cities

Rhode Island vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Rhode Island to California, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Clams and sumptuous Hot Wieners, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Del's Lemonade they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Hemenway’s, and Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Spago, and El Coyote Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and California

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and historic details, California real estate listings often highlight features like sustainability and smart home technology.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Rhode Island.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
• California has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
• California housing costs are 73% more expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
• Rent in California is 30.98% more expensive than in Rhode Island.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to California. California gets 42% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
• The average winter lows are 28 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 25 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 12% more than those in Rhode Island
• The COLI in California is 11% higher than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
• The state income tax in CA ranges from 1% to 13.3% compared to 3.75% to 5.99% in RI
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
• The poverty level varies in California compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. California

• Rhode Island tends to lean predominantly Democratic and consistently votes blue in statewide and federal races with Democratic supermajorities in the General Assembly; however, there is some Republican strength in a few suburbs and rural towns in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as solidly Democratic statewide with a large registration advantage and supermajorities; Republican strength persists in some inland and rural counties and select suburban areas, but overall it remains strongly blue.
• California's religious environment can be described as highly diverse with large Catholic and unaffiliated populations, significant Protestant (including evangelical), Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities, as well as regional variation in religious influence.
• Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as historically among the most Catholic states with a growing share of religiously unaffiliated residents; other Christian traditions are present, along with smaller Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities.

How Much Do Rhode Island to California Movers Cost?

Moving 3,077 miles from Rhode Island to California 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.