Providence is about 50 miles south of Boston, a city of about 195,000 people with a historic downtown, a strong food and arts scene, and Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design on College Hill. It is one of the best options for people who want city life at a lower price. The median home value is about $362,200 and median rent is about $1,408 a month, both far below Boston. Because the move crosses into Rhode Island, it is an interstate move under federal rules: your mover needs a USDOT number, the estimate is binding or non-binding, and on a non-binding estimate the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of it at delivery. Book a mover with interstate authority, choose a neighborhood near the train station if you will commute, and leave Boston before afternoon traffic on Interstate 95.
Stark Moving and Storage moves households from Boston to Providence, Warwick, Pawtucket, and Cranston, and Rhode Island is part of our regular service area. We handle local and long distance moves, packing, and storage. Here is what to know about the move and about life in Providence.
Providence by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Providence QuickFacts:
| Measure | Providence |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 195,310 |
| Median household income | About $68,119 |
| Median home value | About $362,200 |
| Median rent | About $1,408 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 41 percent |
| Average commute | About 25 minutes |
Why People Move From Boston to Providence
Cost
Housing is the main reason. Rents and home prices in Providence are a fraction of Boston’s. Our guide to the Boston cost of living gives a useful comparison.
City Life at a Smaller Scale
Providence has a walkable downtown, Federal Hill’s restaurants, WaterFire on the rivers, and a lively arts scene, without the crowds or prices of a larger city.
Universities
Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales bring students, jobs, and culture.
Train to Boston
The MBTA commuter rail runs from Providence Station to South Station and Back Bay. The ride is long for a daily commute, but it works for hybrid schedules.
Our guide to moving out of Boston shows how Rhode Island compares with other places Boston residents choose.
Why the Move Is Interstate
Crossing into Rhode Island means federal rules apply, even though the drive is under an hour.
- The mover needs a USDOT number and interstate authority
- The estimate is either binding or non-binding
- On a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require more than 110 percent at delivery
- Full value protection is the default coverage, unless you choose released value at 60 cents per pound
- You have up to nine months after delivery to file a claim
Our guide to long distance moving explains how these moves are priced and scheduled.
Tip: Ask for a binding estimate if you want a fixed price. A binding estimate only covers what was on the inventory, so show the estimator everything, including the basement and storage unit.
Best Neighborhoods in Providence
| Area | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| College Hill | Historic homes near Brown and RISD | Steep streets, narrow stairs |
| Fox Point | Older homes near the waterfront | Tight street parking |
| Federal Hill | Restaurants and multi-family homes | Busy evenings and weekends |
| Downtown | Lofts and apartments near the train | Elevators and building rules |
| Elmhurst | Quieter residential area | Single-family homes and driveways |
| Wayland Square | Shops and older apartment buildings | Street parking |
| West End | Mix of older homes and new development | Multi-family houses |
Cost of Living in Providence
Providence is far less expensive than Boston. BestPlaces gives it a cost of living score of about 109, where 100 is the national average. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Providence County:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $15,328 |
| Food, one adult | $4,732 |
| Transportation, one adult | $7,786 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $50,073 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $128,722 |
Housing is where the difference shows most. A household that spends half its income on rent in Boston can often spend far less in Providence.
Weather in Providence
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Providence | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 83 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 19 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 36 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 49 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 200 | 205 |
Providence gets less snow than Boston and Nashua, though nor’easters still pass through in winter.
Schools in Providence
Providence Public Schools serves about 20,250 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 15 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of C. The state took over the district in 2019 to improve results, so many families compare individual schools, charter schools, and nearby suburbs such as East Greenwich and Barrington.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Providence | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 2.8 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 17.0 | About 18 |
Violent crime is below the national median and property crime is close to it. Rates vary by neighborhood, so visit at night before you sign.
The Drive
Interstate 95 runs directly from the Boston area to Providence, about an hour without traffic. Southbound traffic builds in the late afternoon, so a morning start is best for the truck.
Your First Weeks in Rhode Island
- Switch to a Rhode Island driver’s license and register your car with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, and check the current deadlines for new residents
- Update your car insurance
- Set up utilities and internet
- Register to vote at your new address
- File a change of address with the Postal Service
Rhode Island charges a state income tax, so the savings from this move come mainly from housing, not taxes. Plan to file part-year returns in both states for the year you move, and speak with a tax professional.
Comparing Other Options
If you are also considering New Hampshire, which has no sales tax or wage income tax, our guide to Boston to Nashua covers that move. For help picking a mover for either route, see our guide on choosing a moving company.
Pros and Cons of Living in Providence
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Much lower housing costs than Boston | Public schools rated lower than many suburbs |
| Walkable downtown and great restaurants | Long daily commute to Boston |
| Commuter rail to Boston | State income tax |
| Less snow than Boston | Lower median incomes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Providence from Boston?
About 50 miles. The drive takes about an hour, and the commuter rail connects the two cities.
Is Providence cheaper than Boston?
Yes, by a wide margin. The median home value is about $362,200 and median rent is about $1,408 a month.
Can I commute from Providence to Boston?
Yes, by commuter rail or car, but it is long for a daily commute. It suits hybrid workers best.
Is moving from Boston to Providence an interstate move?
Yes. It crosses the state line, so federal moving rules apply.
What are the best neighborhoods in Providence?
It depends on your needs. College Hill and Fox Point suit people who want historic homes near the universities, while Elmhurst offers quieter streets.
Does Rhode Island have a state income tax?
Yes. The savings from moving to Providence come mainly from lower housing costs.
Moving to Providence
Stark Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington, DC. Our services include packing and unpacking, storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re moving locally or relocating from Boston to Providence, our team helps coordinate your move to keep the process organized and efficient.
As a BBB-accredited company, Stark Moving and Storage prioritizes honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout every relocation. If you’re searching for reliable Boston Movers, contact us at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your moving needs and request an estimate for your move to Providence, RI.