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Moving from Iowa to Rhode Island

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

IA state flag
Living now

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

RI state flag
Moving to

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Median household income $81,854 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

Rhode Island has an overall price level 102.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Rhode Island
102.3
Rhode Island has 17% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Rhode Island
105.6
Rhode Island has 62% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Rhode Island
100.6
Rhode Island has 3.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Rhode Island
100.3
Rhode Island has 2.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Rhode Island has 123% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Rhode Island
100.5
Rhode Island has 3.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Rhode Island
$455,700
Rhode Island is 100% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Rhode Island is 35% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Rhode Island
82°F
Rhode Island is 3.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Rhode Island
22°F
Rhode Island is 69% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Rhode Island
51°F
Rhode Island is 4.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Rhode Island
200
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Rhode Island
49 in
Rhode Island is 40% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Rhode Island
36
Rhode Island has 51% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Rhode Island
37 in
Rhode Island is 23% more annual snowfall

Get the full IowaRhode Island report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Rhode Island than Iowa?

Rhode Island's overall price level is roughly 99.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 90 for Iowa — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Iowa tops out at 3.8% income tax. Rhode Island tops out at 5.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Rhode Island?

Most Rhode Island residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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