($1,149) Moving From Rhode Island to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Rhode Island to Iowa ranges from $881 to $5,705 and takes three-eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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Hiring a full-service Rhode Island moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 Rhode Island to Iowa separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Iowa to Rhode Island guide.

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The best Rhode Island to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Rhode Island to Iowa 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 Rhode Island to Iowa:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

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

Looking for local Rhode Island movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Economy Movers & Storage Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
530 Wellington Ave, Cranston, RI, 02910
(401) 467-3525
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
125 Amaral Street, Providence, RI, 02915
(401) 453-4400

Visit our Best Movers in Rhode Island page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Iowa?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Rhode Island to Iowa for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,149 - $4,430 $932 - $2,217 $816 - $1,527
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,474 - $5,705 $1,636 - $3,224 $881 - $1,798
4+ bedrooms $4,363 - $7,694 $2,217 - $4,235 $1,035 - $2,086

*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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from RI to IA

There are many factors that influence Rhode Island moving costs. The cost to move from Rhode Island to Iowa 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 Rhode Island 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Rhode Island to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Rhode Island to Iowa will cost between $1,149 and $4,430. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from RI to IA will range from $2,474 to $5,705, and a large move from Rhode Island to Iowa will cost from $4,363 to $7,694.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Rhode Island to Iowa?

Moving containers from Rhode Island to Iowa will cost you $932 to $2,217 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,636 to $3,224. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,217 to $4,235. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Rhode Island.

How much is a moving truck from Rhode Island to Iowa?

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 $816 to $1,527. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $881 to $1,798, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Rhode Island to Iowa costs from $1,035 to $2,086.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Rhode Island to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Rhode Island vs. Iowa

Rhode Island Iowa
Average rent cost $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%
  • Rent is about 24% less expensive in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
  • Home prices are about 53% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Rhode Island by about 35%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Iowa and Rhode Island.
  • Income taxes are 27% lower in Iowa than in Rhode Island.

How does life in Iowa differ from Rhode Island?

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
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 193% greater than the population of Rhode Island.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Rhode Island voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Rhode Island, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Rhode Island gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-five inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus fifty inches of rainfall in Rhode Island.
  • In Iowa, it snows about thirty inches annually versus thirty-five inches of snow in Rhode Island.
  • Iowa has a higher crime rate than Rhode Island with a crime index of 16.18 vs 14.58.

Comparing the pros of Rhode Island vs. Iowa

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Rhode Island versus Iowa side by side.

Pros of living in Rhode Island Pros of living in Iowa
Beautiful landscapes Low cost of living
Delicious seafood Ample economic opportunity
Rich history High quality of education
Amazing beaches No traffic
Short drives Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Rhode Island vs. Iowa

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Rhode Island for Iowa.

Cons of living in Rhode Island Cons of living in Iowa
High cost of living Severe weather conditions
Heavy traffic and lousy drivers Limited recreational opportunities
Smallest state High taxes
Cold winters High emphasis on politics
Dense population Rustic food

What to know before your move to Iowa

  • Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
  • 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: 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 Iowa. Get started here.
  • 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Iowa

While you’re in Iowa, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Amana Colonies
  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
  • Lost Island Waterpark
  • National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • Pikes Peak State Park
  • Visit Okoboji
  • Field of Dreams
  • Grotto of the Redemption
  • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
  • Adventureland Park
  • Maquoketa Caves State Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Ledges State Park
  • American Gothic House & Center
  • Brucemore
  • Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Rhode Island to Iowa?

The cheapest way to move from Rhode Island to Iowa is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Rhode Island to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Rhode Island to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island or Iowa?

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 52.9% 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 Iowa?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Iowa you live For example, larger cities like Altoona and Ames will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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