Moving from Cambridge, MA to Providence, RI
Moving from Cambridge, MA to Providence, RI is a 46 mi drive, about 1h 13m by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
46 mi Β· 1h 13m by car Β· RI β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 1, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Boston, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Providence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 101.773 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 148.809 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 97.116 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 103.851 | 100.0 |
Providence is 6.0% cheaper than Cambridge overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Providence is 6.0% below Cambridge β $1,041,569 vs $426,007 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 47.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2Β°F) and Providence (52.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Providence averages 36.6 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.71 |
Median household income in Providence is 6.0% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $66,772, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and Rhode Island
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Rhode Island's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Providence averages 36.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Rhode Island after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 47.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 59.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Providence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 46 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Providence, RI from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 46 mi and the route typically takes 1h 13m via I 95 and US 1. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Providence more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 6.0% lower than Cambridge (101.773 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Providence, RI.