Moving from Providence, RI to Worcester, MA
The drive from Providence to Worcester covers 40 mi in about 51 min. Local moves still matter — school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
40 mi · 51 min by car · MA → RI
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → RI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MA 146, RI 146, MA 122A |
| Major cities en route | Brockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Worcester and Providence are close on the overall BEA RPP (101.773 vs 102.523); 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: Providence +2.3%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.1°F vs 48.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.6 |
Household income lines up — $66,772 vs $67,544 on 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 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Worcester averages 72.9 in annually vs 36.6 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Providence vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $66,772 in Providence — a 1.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 40 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 52.1°F in Providence (4.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 47.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $426,007 in Providence — a 1.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Worcester, MA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 40 mi and the route typically takes 51 min via MA 146 and RI 146. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Worcester more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 0.7% higher than Providence (102.523 vs 101.773, 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 Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Worcester, MA.