Moving from Providence, RI to Jersey City, NJ
Moving from Providence, RI to Jersey City, NJ covers 187 mi and about 4h 4m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
187 mi · 4h 4m by car · NJ → NY → CT → RI
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → NY → CT → RI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 395, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson, Yonkers |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jersey City is 10.6% higher than Providence, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jersey City is 10.6% above Providence — $426,007 vs $658,269 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1°F) and Jersey City (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jersey City averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 10.6% above Providence ($66,772 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Rhode Island and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Providence to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 187 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $66,772 in Providence — a 42.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 10.6% higher than Providence (112.563 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 52.1°F in Providence (2.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 47.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $426,007 in Providence — a 54.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 187 mi and the route typically takes 4h 4m via I 95 and I 395. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Jersey City, NJ.