Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to RItoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa 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 Iowa 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.

What to know before moving from IA to RI

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Rhode Island

Iowa Rhode Island
Average rent cost $914 $1,195
Average home cost $220,277 $467,485
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $81,370
Cost of Living Index 89 100
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.6%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.4% 5.99%
  • Rent is about 31% more expensive in Rhode Island than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 112% higher in Rhode Island than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 15% higher in Rhode Island than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 12% lower in Rhode Island than in Iowa.
  • Rhode Island has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 53%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Rhode Island and Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 36% higher in Rhode Island than in Iowa.

How life is different in Rhode Island vs. Iowa

Rhode Island Iowa
Population 1,093,734 3,207,004
Political leaning Democratic 56-44 Republican 53-45
Summer high 82ºF 84ºF
Winter low 19ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 50" 35"
Annual snow 35" 30"
Crime index 14.58 16.18
  • The population of Rhode Island is approximately 66% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 14.58 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Rhode Island

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Rhode Island compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Rhode Island
Low cost of living Beautiful landscapes
Ample economic opportunity Delicious seafood
High quality of education Rich history
No traffic Amazing beaches
Beautiful outdoors Short drives

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Rhode Island

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Rhode Island.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Rhode Island
Severe weather conditions High cost of living
Limited recreational opportunities Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
High taxes Smallest state
High emphasis on politics Cold winters
Rustic food Dense population

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Rhode Island movetoggle

  • 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 Islandtoggle

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 Iowa to Rhode Island?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Rhode Island?toggle

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 Iowa to Rhode Island separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Rhode Island?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa 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 Iowa or Rhode Island?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Rhode Island. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 24% less and home prices 53% lower than in Rhode Island. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Rhode Island residents.

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

You should make approximately $78,746 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Rhode Island. The cost of living in Rhode Island is approximately $3,497 per month for an individual and $5,313 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 Providence and Warwick will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources