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:
- 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% |
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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.
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Cost of living is 12% lower in Rhode Island than in Iowa.
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Rhode Island has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 53%.
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Sales taxes are the same in Rhode Island and Iowa.
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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 |
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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 move
- 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.
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Moving permits:
Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Rhode Island
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?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Rhode Island?
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?
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?
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?
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