($1,576) Cost of Moving From Iowa to Rhode Island
Quick answer: When you’re moving from Iowa to Rhode Island, you’ll typically spend between $1,041 and $8,310. Most moves take around three–eight days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Rhode Island to Iowa guide.
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The best Iowa to Rhode Island full-service movers
Moving from Iowa to Rhode Island? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Iowa for your relocation to Rhode Island:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Iowa
With so many options, finding a dependable local moving company isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in Iowa, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 27
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322Two 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 7
10500 Hickman Rd Suite H, Clive, IA 50325College 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Key City Moving & Storage
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 125563
Years in Business: 114
9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068Key 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 125563
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 69
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111Claeys 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 70719
Black Belt Movers
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 3527158
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023Black 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3527158
The best Iowa to Rhode Island moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in Iowa and drop it off at your new home in Rhode Island.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best Iowa to Rhode Island moving truck rentals
Looking to cut costs on your move from Iowa to Rhode Island? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Iowa to Rhode Island labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Iowa to Rhode Island:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to RI move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Rhode Island?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa to Rhode Island. Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,576 - $6,383 | $1,168 - $2,917 | $993 - $1,895 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,566 - $8,310 | $2,010 - $3,999 | $1,041 - $2,187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,986 - $10,888 | $2,668 - $5,306 | $1,376 - $2,641 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,253 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Rhode Island
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Rhode Island, you can expect prices to land between $1,576 and $6,383. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,566 to $8,310 for the trip from IA to RI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,986 and $10,888.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Rhode Island
Moving containers from Iowa to Rhode Island will cost you $1,168 to $2,917 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,010 to $3,999. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,668 to $5,306. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of 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 $993 and $1,895. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,041 and $2,187. Moving from Iowa to Rhode Island or dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,376 and $2,641.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to RI
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to Rhode Island. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Iowa.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
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
Before you move, it’s smart to see how cost of living compares between Iowa and Rhode Island. This quick, side-by-side breakdown covers essentials like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a better idea of how your budget might be affected. Check out how these two states stack up when it comes to cost of living:
| 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 in Rhode Island is approximately 31% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Rhode Island are usually around 112% higher than what you’ll find in Iowa.
- You’re likely to earn about 15% more in Rhode Island than in Iowa. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
- Moving to Rhode Island will cost you 12% more than living in Iowa, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
- Unemployment in Rhode Island is about 53% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
- You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. Iowa and Rhode Island have the same rates, making your move easier.
- State income taxes in Rhode Island are 36% higher than in Iowa, which means you'll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Rhode Island vs. Iowa
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in Rhode Island stacks up against Iowa across important lifestyle factors:
| 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. Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
- 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. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. A move to Rhode Island with milder winters offers greater day-to-day convenience, lower costs, and more freedom to explore outdoors. It’s a great fit for those who prefer sun over snow and fewer weather-related interruptions.
- You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus only 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa. More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
- In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches of snow. With snow levels being similar, you’re likely to experience a smooth transition with no major surprises.
- Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 14.58 vs. 16.18. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Rhode Island
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Rhode Island versus 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 isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Iowa to 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: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- 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 you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Rhode Island moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Rhode Island, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- 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: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," at no extra cost. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed 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?
If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service Iowa moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Rhode Island?
Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from Iowa to Rhode Island using a top-rated auto transport company.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Rhode Island?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Iowa to Rhode Island to enjoy all the great benefits Rhode Island provides, 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?
Thinking of moving to Rhode Island on your own? You’ll want to earn around $78,746 to cover your expenses comfortably. If you’re living on your own, expect to spend about $3,497 per month, or around $5,313 if you have a family of four. Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Providence and Warwick tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
