When planning a move from Iowa to Rhode Island, professional movers typically run between
$2,709 and $6,122, a moving container averages about
$2,422, and a rental truck is around
$1,306.
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The best local moving companies in Iowa
In Iowa, you have a choice of 31 interstate moving companies that can accomodate your move to Rhode Island. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in Iowa based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don’t require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
The best Iowa to Rhode Island moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in Iowa and delivering it to your new place in Rhode Island.
Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:
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The best Iowa to Rhode Island moving truck rentals
If you’re looking to cut costs on your move from Iowa to Rhode Island, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:
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The best Iowa to Rhode Island labor-only movers
If you’re just looking for some help loading your stuff into a rental truck or storage container, labor-only movers are the way to go. You can choose the crew size that fits your needs, and you only pay for the time they end up taking.
When planning a move from Iowa to Rhode Island, check out these top-rated moving labor companies for a hassle-free experience.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to RI move
Using rate data from 35 Iowa movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
- Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
- Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
- Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Rhode Island?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Rhode Island with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,270 – $4,900 | $887 – $2,328 | $738 – $1,423 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,709 – $6,122 | $1,588 – $3,257 | $797 – $1,816 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,778 – $8,776 | $2,283 – $4,235 | $1,098 – $2,086 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 1,254-mile move from IA to RI, based on pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 04, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Rhode Island
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Rhode Island, you can expect to spend between $1,270 and $4,900. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,709 to $6,122 on the same route (IA to RI). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Iowa to Rhode Island typically runs between $4,778 and $8,776.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Rhode Island
Moving from Iowa to Rhode Island? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $887 and $2,328. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,588 to $3,257. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,283 up to $4,235. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Rhode Island
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $738 and $1,423. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $797 and $1,816. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,098 and $2,086.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to RI
There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Rhode Island will depend on these factors:
- How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
- When you move: Summer moves in Iowa fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
- Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from IA to RI
Moving between Iowa and Rhode Island involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Rhode Island
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between Iowa and Rhode Island. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| Iowa | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $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 costs 31% more in Rhode Island compared to Iowa. Be sure to factor this increase into your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in Rhode Island to be about 112% more than what you’ll find in Iowa.
- Great news — you’re likely to make about 15% more in Rhode Island compared to Iowa. That boost could translate to extra savings or new investment opportunities every month.
- Moving to Rhode Island will cost you 12% more than living in Iowa, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
- Rhode Island has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 53%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales tax is similar in Rhode Island and Iowa, so you won’t see much change in what you pay at the register after your move.
- Income taxes in Rhode Island are 36% higher than in Iowa. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in Rhode Island vs. Iowa
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Rhode Island differs from Iowa in these areas.
| 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 |
- With a population about 66% smaller than Iowa, Rhode Island offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living. Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
- In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Rhode Island average 82°F, almost the same as 84°F in Iowa. With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
- Winters in Rhode Island average 19°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa. The milder lows mean less strain on heating, gentler weather, and more comfortable outdoor living.
- Expect about 50 inches of rain each year in Rhode Island — a big shift from the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
- In Rhode Island, you’ll get about 35 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, Iowa usually sees around 30 inches annually. With snowfall levels being similar in both states, you shouldn’t run into any surprising weather issues after you move.
- Rhode Island offers a safer environment than Iowa, with a crime index of 14.58 versus 16.18. You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Rhode Island
There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in Rhode Island stacks up against 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
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from Iowa to Rhode Island, keep these tips in mind:
| 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 move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Rhode Island moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Rhode Island right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Rhode Island
Get ready to discover Rhode Island. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Rhode Island
- The Breakers
- Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
- Providence Children’s Museum
- John Brown House Museum
- Old Slater Mill
Parks in Rhode Island
- Water Place Park
- Roger Williams Park
- Goddard State Park
- India Point Park
- Fort Adams State Park
Sports teams in Rhode Island
- Providence Bruins (AHL)
- Brown Bears (NCAA)
Universities in Rhode Island
- Brown University
- University of Rhode Island
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rhode Island College
- Johnson and Wales University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Rhode Island?
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?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving package. Alternatively, you can book vehicle transport from Iowa to Rhode Island separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Rhode Island?
More and more folks are relocating from Iowa to Rhode Island to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Rhode Island?
Living in Iowa usually costs less 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?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Rhode Island, aim for an income of around $81,736 to live comfortably. Expect monthly expenses to be about $3,527 if you’re flying solo, or $6,040 for a family of four. Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Providence and Warwick usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in Iowa. Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 1 moving companies.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Iowa routes
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