Moving from Lakewood, CO to Providence, RI
Cross-country relocations like Lakewood, CO → Providence, RI cover 1962 mi and about 35h 48m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1962 mi · 35h 48m by car · RI → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Hartford, Springfield, Waterbury, New Haven |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Providence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 101.773 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 148.809 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 97.116 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 103.851 | 100.0 |
Providence and Lakewood are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 101.773); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Providence typical home at $426,007 is 3.8% under Lakewood at $573,913 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakewood | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 47.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.4°F vs 52.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Providence sees 36.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 38 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.71 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.8% between Lakewood and Providence (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 much do homes cost in Providence compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $573,913 in Lakewood — a 25.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Providence more expensive than Lakewood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 3.8% lower than Lakewood (101.773 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood 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 1962 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $85,789 in Lakewood — a 22.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Providence, RI from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 1962 mi and the route typically takes 35h 48m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Lakewood and Providence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Providence vs 50.4°F in Lakewood (1.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.6 in vs 58.0 in. Annual precipitation: 47.5 in vs 17.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO · Providence, RI.