Best Movers From Rhode Island to Iowa (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from Rhode Island to Iowa, professional movers typically run between
$2,512 and $5,682, a moving container averages about
$2,372, and a rental truck is around
$1,299.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,089 — $5,682 Top local mover
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$1,089 — $8,056 Top long-distance mover
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$865 — $4,259 Top container company
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$788 — $2,078 Top truck rental
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$60 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Rhode Island to Iowa
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Rhode Island to Iowa.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Rhode Island to Iowa
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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5+ Bedrooms
Nov 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 01, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 30, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 05, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 02, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,089 – $4,149 | $865 – $2,272 | $788 – $1,447 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,512 – $5,682 | $1,597 – $3,147 | $860 – $1,738 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,132 – $8,056 | $2,164 – $4,259 | $1,030 – $2,078 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,089 – $4,149
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,512 – $5,682
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,132 – $8,056
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to Iowa?
- Small move: $865 – $2,272
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,597 – $3,147
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,164 – $4,259
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $788 – $1,447
- 2–3 bedrooms: $860 – $1,738
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,030 – $2,078
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,253-mile move from RI to IA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from RI to IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about 24% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
Avg rent: $1,195 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 53% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 13% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is 11% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Rhode Island and Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 27% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to Rhode Island?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Iowa | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 14.58 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
Iowa is about 193% more populous than Rhode Island — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican while Rhode Island voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: Iowa is colder on average (10°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Iowa gets less rain (35″ vs. 50″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (30 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is Iowa safer than Rhode Island?
Iowa has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (16.18 vs. 14.58). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Iowa?
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Sports teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island to Iowa 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: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Iowa 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Iowa?
When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Iowa moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Iowa?
Iowa does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Discount availability varies by mover.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
Popular moving resources
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