Best Rhode Island to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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RI to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Ocean State to the Golden State is an adventure that promises both excitement and significant change. As you transition from Rhode Island's cozy New England charm to California's sprawling beaches, bustling cities, and iconic landscapes, the contrast couldn't be more thrilling. Recognizing the vast distance of this move, it's crucial to have trusted and reliable professional movers by your side, ensuring your journey is as smooth and worry-free as possible. Our team at Great Guys Moving utilizes an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers in the country, making us your go-to source for a hassle-free relocation.

Rhode Island iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Rhode Island to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck8.28NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
G Metz Moving7.87A+Authorized For HHGContact
Cunha Trucking & Moving Co Inc7.62NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage7.23A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Rhode Island guide.

6 Best RI to CA Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

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

About Pure Moving

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

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Very Good8.28/10
based on 310+ data points

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, they have more than 3...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
3
G Metz Moving Logo
Good7.87/10
based on 938+ data points

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 count...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
4
Cunha Trucking & Moving Co Inc Logo
7.62/10
based on 140+ data points

About Cunha Trucking & Moving Co Inc

Cunha Trucking & Moving Company, based in East Providence, Rhode Island, offers a comprehensive range of moving services for residential...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Mini storage moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

534973 / 76573

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage Logo
7.23/10
based on 2,293+ data points

About Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage

Started by two brothers in 2009, Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage is a local family-owned business. With a corporate office in Warwic...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-Distance Movers
  • Commercial Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3095364 / 74304

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (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 Rhode Island to California

Moving from one coast to another presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to honestly reflect the good and bad attributes of relocating from Rhode Island to California, offering insights into how your life will change. Whether it's the weather, opportunities, or lifestyle, knowing what awaits can help you prepare for this significant change.

CONs
PROs
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Smaller job market
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher humidity
  • Limited cultural diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • Larger job market
  • Mild winters
  • Lower humidity
  • Greater cultural diversity
California iconCalifornia
  • More urban
  • Less personal interaction
  • Corporate prevalence
  • Higher living costs
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Cozy small towns
  • Close-knit communities
  • Quaint local businesses
  • Lower living costs

While the prospect of moving from Rhode Island to California can be exciting, it's vital to consider both the tangible and intangible changes to your lifestyle. For instance, California's vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, such as The Broad and The Original Farmers Market. However, the intimate charm of Rhode Island's coastal towns, like Newport, with its historic mansions and seaside eateries, has its own appeal. Transitioning from the tight-knit communities and the familiarity of local spots like Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House to California's bustling metropolitan areas can be a significant shift, but it's also an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Adaptability, openness to new cultures, and readiness to explore are key to making the most out of this life-changing move.

Rhode Island vs. California Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Rhode Island & California aims to enrich your understanding of the food scene as part of the local culture and lifestyle in these areas. Whether you're a foodie or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the culinary differences as you plan your move.

Rhode IslandCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemStuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)Fish Tacos
Most popular meat dishGrilled ClamsTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemHot WienersStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodDel's LemonadeAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Al Forno
    • Hemenway’s
    • Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House
    • Chez Panisse
    • Spago
    • El Coyote Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Rhode Island, seafood is the star of the local cuisine, with stuffies and grilled clams taking center stage. Hot wieners, a unique twist on traditional hot dogs, epitomize the state’s street food scene. For a more casual, vegan option, Del's Lemonade offers a refreshing treat. Dining at iconic restaurants like Al Forno in Providence can give you a genuine taste of the local flavors. Moving to California introduces you to a whole new palette where Mexican influences are prominent, especially in the form of fish tacos and street tacos. Health-conscious and vegan-friendly options, like the quintessential California avocado toast, are readily available across the state, notably in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. California's vibrant foodie scene is broad and inclusive, offering something for everyone, from food truck aficionados to fine dining enthusiasts.

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Rhode Island vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocating, and understanding how it differs between your current and future homes can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to highlight the important distinctions in housing between Rhode Island and California to assist in your move.

ComparisonRhode IslandCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and VictorianModern and Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront views, Historic detailsSustainability features, Smart home technology

When considering a move from Rhode Island to California, you'll notice significant differences in the housing market. The median home price and rent in California are substantially higher, reflecting the state's in-demand real estate market. However, California compensates with its modern and Spanish style architecture, higher walkability, and a more pronounced urban lifestyle, which might appeal to those seeking a vibrant city life. Furthermore, the emphasis in California real estate listings on sustainability features and smart home technology speaks to the state's forward-thinking mindset. Such distinctions underscore the importance of weighing your preferences and lifestyle when moving between these states.

Rhode Island vs. California Weather Considerations

If you're planning a move, understanding the climate differences is essential. This comparison will shed light on how the weather varies between Rhode Island and California, helping you adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly.

Summer icon
82/63

Rhode Island

85/60

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40/20

Rhode Island

68/48

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47

Rhode Island

22

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

Rhode Island

Rare/None

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRhode IslandCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Rhode Island to California, one of the most appreciable differences you'll encounter is in the climate, particularly in terms of sun exposure and winter temperatures. California boasts significantly more sunny days, and its winters are milder compared to the colder, snowier Rhode Island seasons. This change means swapping snow shovels for sunscreen more often and preparing for different natural disaster risks, like earthquakes and wildfires, instead of blizzards and hurricanes. Understanding these differences allows for a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance topics related to moving from Rhode Island to California, helping you gauge how your living expenses, tax obligations, and overall financial health might shift.

ComparisonRhode IslandCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$81,854$91,551
Cost of Living Index123.3136.4
State Income Tax3.75 - 5.991 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.530.73
Avg. Sales Tax78.56
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertymoderatesignificant
Homelessnessnoticeablesevere

Moving from Rhode Island to California, you'll notice significant changes in your financial landscape. California's higher average household income reflects its more prosperous job market, especially in tech, agriculture, and entertainment. However, this is counterbalanced by a higher cost of living and sales tax rate, making daily expenses more burdensome. While California may offer higher earnings and enchanting career opportunities, it's also marked by profound housing affordability issues, leading to higher poverty and homelessness rates. These contrasts underline the importance of financial planning and consideration before making the coast-to-coast move.

Rhode Island vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between Rhode Island & California, helping you understand the cultural landscape you're moving into.

Rhode IslandCalifornia
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsLocal government plays a significant role in community developmentLocal government initiatives often focus on environmental and social issues
ReligionLargely Catholic, with a mix of other Christian denominationsDiverse religious landscape, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities

When considering your move from Rhode Island to California, you’ll notice differences not just in the political leanings but in the way local politics shapes communities. Rhode Island’s political scene is lean Democratic, with local politics playing a substantial role in community matters. In comparison, California's political landscape is strongly Democratic, where local government initiatives often emphasize environmental sustainability and social equity. The religious makeup in Rhode Island is predominantly Catholic, reflecting a more homogeneous religious community, whereas California offers a vibrant mosaic of religious beliefs, including a broad spectrum of Christian denominations and significant Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu communities. Moving to California, you'll find yourself in a rich tapestry of cultural and political perspectives.

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to California

Moving from Rhode Island to California presents a significant change in many areas, including the educational landscape. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Rhode Island and California , we've put together this helpful chart. Whether your focus is on public or private education, this comparison will aid in making informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

Rhode IslandCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of California
California State University
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Rockwell Elementary
Barrington
Hamilton Elementary
North Kingstown
Community Elementary
Cumberland
Point Vicente Elementary
Rancho Palos Verdes
Murphy Ranch Elementary
Whittier
La Cañada Elementary
La Cañada Flintridge

Top 3 Middle Schools

Barrington Middle
Barrington
Archie R. Cole Middle
East Greenwich
Narragansett Pier Middle
Narragansett
Henry M. Gunn High
Palo Alto
Carmel Valley Middle
San Diego
Sierra Canyon School
Chatsworth

Top 3 High Schools

Classical High
Providence
Barrington High
Barrington
East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Lowell High
San Francisco
Torrance High
Torrance
Palo Alto High
Palo Alto

Top 3 private high schools

Moses Brown School
Providence
St. George's School
Newport
The Wheeler School
Providence
Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City
Phillips Academy
Andover
The Thacher School
Ojai

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Lincoln School
Providence
Rhode Island Country Day
East Providence
Providence Country Day School
East Providence
Stanford Online High School
Stanford
The Geffen Academy at UCLA
Los Angeles
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Santa Monica

Top 3 School Districts

Barrington Public Schools
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District

When comparing educational options between Rhode Island and California, several key differences stand out. For instance, in terms of higher education, Rhode Island has prestigious institutions like Brown University, while California is home to top-tier universities such as Stanford and a broad selection of University of California campuses. The quality and particular focus of elementary and high schools also vary significantly. For example, schools like Barrington Middle in Rhode Island are highly rated for their comprehensive education, while California boasts specialized schools like the Stanford Online High School, which provides a unique approach to learning. These distinctions highlight the diversity and specialized opportunities available in California’s education system compared to Rhode Island, enabling you to tailor education closely to your child's needs and aspirations.

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