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Moving from Rhode Island to Iowa

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

RI state flag
Living now

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

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

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

IA state flag
Moving to

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

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

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

Iowa has an overall price level 87.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 14% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 38% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 3.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 2.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 2.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 50% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 26% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 41% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 4.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Iowa
200
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 29% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Iowa
73
Iowa has 103% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 19% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandIowa 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 Iowa than Rhode Island?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Rhode Island — 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?

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

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Iowa?

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

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