Moving from Manchester, NH to Providence, RI
The 94 mi from Manchester to Providence translate to about 2h 7m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
94 mi · 2h 7m by car · RI → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 495, US 3, RI 146 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Worcester, Cambridge, Boston, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Providence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 101.773 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 148.809 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 97.116 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 103.851 | 100.0 |
Providence and Manchester are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.657 vs 101.773); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 47.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 47.4°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: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.71 |
Income steps down 3.7%: $77,415 in Manchester vs $66,772 in Providence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between New Hampshire 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
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
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 far is Providence, RI from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 94 mi and the route typically takes 2h 7m via I 495 and US 3. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Providence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Providence vs 47.4°F in Manchester (4.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.6 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 47.5 in vs 42.5 in.
Is Providence more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 3.7% lower than Manchester (101.773 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester 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 94 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 2.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 13.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Providence, RI.