Moving from Lowell, MA to Providence, RI
It is a 68 mi drive, roughly 1h 29m, between Lowell, MA and Providence, RI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
68 mi Β· 1h 29m by car Β· RI β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 495, RI 146, MA 126 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Worcester, Cambridge, Boston, Manchester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.0% moving from Lowell to Providence β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Providence run about 6.0% cheaper β ZHVI $480,319 β $426,007 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 47.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 52.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Providence sees 36.6 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.71 |
Households in Providence earn about 6.0% less at the median β 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
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Providence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 68 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 11.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Providence, RI from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 68 mi and the route typically takes 1h 29m via I 495 and RI 146. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 12.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Providence more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 6.0% lower than Lowell (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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Providence, RI.