Moving from Centennial, CO to Providence, RI

A 1969 mi cross-country move between Centennial and Providence is 35h 55m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β€” rent, taxes, climate, commute β€” usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.

1969 mi Β· 35h 55m by car Β· RI β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ PA β†’ OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ CO

COL -3.8% Home values -34.4% Ξ” +1.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1969 mi
Drive time
35h 55m
States
10
Fuel (25 mpg)
79 gal
Route throughRI β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ PA β†’ OH β†’ IN β†’ IL β†’ IA β†’ NE β†’ CO
Primary highwaysI 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 76
Major cities en routeBrockton, Hartford, Springfield, New Haven, Waterbury

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

CentennialProvidenceU.S. avg
All items (RPP)105.782101.773100.0
Rents87.856148.809100.0
Goods100.95797.116100.0
Services146.919103.851100.0

Overall price level is comparable β€” 105.782 vs 101.773 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Centennial β€” typical home
$649,086
Providence β€” typical home
$426,007
Centennial β€” typical rent
$2,121/mo
Providence β€” typical rent
$2,201/mo

Expect roughly 3.8% lower home prices β€” ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $426,007 moving to Providence.

YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCentennialProvidence
Annual avg temperature50Β°F52Β°F
January avg low19Β°F22Β°F
July avg high87Β°F84Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”36.6"
Annual precipitation15.0"47.5"

Annual average temperatures in Centennial (50.2Β°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 1991–2020 normals β€” a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023CentennialProvidence
Population107,386190,214
Median household income$128,167$66,772
Median age41.832.9
Bachelor's degree or higher37%18.3%
Avg household size2.592.71

Providence households earn about 3.8% less than Centennial at the median β€” $128,167 β†’ $66,772 on ACS 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Centennial MSA β€” median wage
$58,490
Providence MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Centennial MSA β€” employment
1,590,330
Providence MSA β€” employment
β€”

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Colorado and Rhode Island

Colorado income tax
4.4% top marginal
Rhode Island income tax
5.99% top marginal

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 20–30% 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.

Winter driving along this route

  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β€” check CDOT alerts before departure.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

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

When is the best time to move from Centennial to Providence?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1969 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 Centennial, CO?

The driving distance is 1969 mi and the route typically takes 35h 55m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Providence more expensive than Centennial?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 3.8% lower than Centennial (101.773 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Centennial vs Providence?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $128,167 in Centennial β€” a 47.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Centennial?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $649,086 in Centennial β€” a 34.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.

City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Providence, RI.

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