Moving from Providence, RI to Yonkers, NY
The 165 mi from Providence to Yonkers translate to about 3h 34m 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.
165 mi · 3h 34m by car · NY → CT → RI
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → CT → RI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 395, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Yonkers | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.6% pricier overall in Yonkers than Providence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Yonkers typical home at $680,218 is 10.6% above Providence at $426,007 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 51.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.1°F vs 53.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Yonkers sees 32.7 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, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.6% between Providence and Yonkers (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers 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 York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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: Yonkers averages 32.7 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: Yonkers averages 51.2 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 York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Providence and Yonkers?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.4°F in Yonkers vs 52.1°F in Providence (1.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.7 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 51.2 in vs 47.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 165 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 Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $66,772 in Providence — a 22.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 165 mi and the route typically takes 3h 34m via I 95 and I 395. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 10.6% higher than Providence (112.563 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $426,007 in Providence — a 59.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Yonkers, NY.