$1,491 Movers From Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island

Quick answer: The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island averages from $965 to $7,336 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Des Moines moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Rhode Island to Des Moines, IA guide.

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Rhode Island. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 1,272 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Des Moines to Rhode Island moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Des Moines to Rhode Island is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Rhode Island.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Des Moines to Rhode Island:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,491 - $5,980 $1,030 - $2,602 $958 - $1,810
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,277 - $7,336 $1,940 - $3,671 $965 - $2,069
4+ bedrooms $5,223 - $9,895 $2,500 - $4,869 $1,240 - $2,474
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,272 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Rhode Island will cost between $1,491 to $5,980. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Des Moines to RI will range from $3,277 to $7,336, and a large move from Des Moines to Rhode Island will cost from $5,223 to $9,895.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island?

Moving pods from Des Moines to Rhode Island will cost you $1,030 to $2,602. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,940 to $3,671. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,500 to $4,869. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Des Moines to Rhode Island.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $958 to $1,810. A larger move will cost $965 to $2,069, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Des Moines to Rhode Island costs from $1,240 to $2,474.

Is moving from Des Moines, IA to Rhode Island a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Des Moines, IA vs Rhode Island

Des Moines, IA Rhode Island
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,031
Average home cost $192,347 $435,415
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $81,370
Unemployment rate 5.9% 2.7%
State income tax 4.4% 5.99%
  • Rent is about 15% less expensive in Rhode Island than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices are about 117.3% higher in Rhode Island than in Des Moines.
  • The average income is about 32.4% higher in Rhode Island than in Des Moines.
  • Rhode Island has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 100.0%.
  • Income taxes are 36.14% higher in Rhode Island than in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines, IA from Rhode Island?

Des Moines, IA Rhode Island
Population 699,292 1,093,734
Political leaning Democratic 57-41 Democratic 60-39
Summer high 86ºF 82ºF
Winter low 13ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 36" 50"
Annual snow 33" 35"
Crime index 5.0 14.5
  • The population of Rhode Island is approximately 56% greater than the population of Des Moines.
  • In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and Des Moines voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF and in Des Moines, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Des Moines gets down to 13ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island vs 36 inches of rainfall in Des Moines.
  • In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 33 inches of snow in Des Moines.
  • Rhode Island has a higher crime rate than Des Moines with a crime index of 14.5 vs 5.0.

Considerations for moving to Rhode Island

  • 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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Rhode Island. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local Des Moines movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Black Belt Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023
(515) 393-4253
Iowa Moving 1 Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
2958 99th St., Ste. 5, Des Moines, IA, 50322
(515) 975-2840

Visit our best movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Rhode Island?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Rhode Island.

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
  • Newport Car Museum
  • Providence Art Club
  • Lippitt House Museum
  • Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
  • Green Animals Topiary Gardens
  • Rosecliff
  • Frosty Drew Observatory
  • St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
  • New England Wireless & Steam Museum
  • Smith's Castle

Parks in Rhode Island

  • Water Place Park
  • Roger Williams Park
  • Goddard State Park
  • India Point Park
  • Fort Adams State Park
  • Dunes Park
  • Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
  • Prospect Terrace
  • Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
  • Burlingame State Park
  • Buttonwoods City Park & Beach
  • Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve
  • Memorial Park
  • Conimicut Point Park
  • Slater Memorial Park
  • Brenton Point 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
  • Bryant University
  • Roger Williams University
  • Providence College
  • Salve Regina University
  • New England Institute of Technology

Moving from Des Moines to Rhode Island FAQs

Why are people moving from Des Moines to Rhode Island?

Many people are moving to Rhode Island because of beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Des Moines?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Des Moines.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Rhode Island