Moving from Providence, RI to Lowell, MA
Relocating between Providence, RI and Lowell, MA is a 68 mi drive β 1h 29m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
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
| Providence | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.4% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°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, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.4% higher in Lowell than Providence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $426,007 in Providence β a 12.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lowell, MA from Providence, RI?
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.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Lowell?
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.
Is Lowell more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 6.4% higher than Providence (108.266 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $66,772 in Providence β a 14.1% 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· Lowell, MA.