Moving from Providence, RI to Centennial, CO
It is 1969 mi and 35h 55m from Providence to Centennial β a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
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
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Hartford, Springfield, New Haven, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 101.773 vs 105.782 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
Expect roughly 3.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $426,007 to $649,086 moving to Centennial.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 15.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1Β°F) and Centennial (50.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $66,772 β $128,167 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Rhode Island and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $426,007 in Providence β a 52.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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.
Is Centennial more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 3.9% higher than Providence (105.782 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Centennial, CO from Providence, RI?
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.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $66,772 in Providence β a 91.9% higher 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 Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI Β· Centennial, CO.