Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tacoma to Providence typically costs $5,300–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,040 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Tacoma to Providence
Moving from Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI typically costs $5,300–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,040-mile move from Tacoma to Providence, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,540 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,095 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,955 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Tacoma to Providence
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tacoma to Providence may only cost $3,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $17,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tacoma.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,900–$5,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA guide.
Best Tacoma to Providence movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Tacoma to Providence
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Tacoma to Providence. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→RI movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 94 Washington moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Providence
Many movers find Providence easier on the wallet than Tacoma - roughly 40% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Providence versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it's $5,406 compared with $7,260.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tacoma | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $2,103 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $2,714 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $398,785 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $69,956 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,133 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,260 | $5,406 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 8.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.99% |
- Rent is about 33% more expensive in Providence than in Tacoma. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 16% cheaper in Providence than in Tacoma.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Providence and Tacoma are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Providence. The cost of living for a single person there is 40% below that of Tacoma.
- A move to Providence can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 26% lower compared to Tacoma.
- Providence has a higher unemployment rate than Tacoma by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Providence compared to Tacoma. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Rhode Island has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Providence:
| Living Expense | Tacoma | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.80 | $293.60 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $5.19 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.67 | $63.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tacoma than in Providence, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Providence.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tacoma than in Providence.
- Bread is more expensive in Tacoma than in Providence.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tacoma than in Providence.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tacoma than in Providence.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tacoma than in Providence.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Providence
| Tacoma | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 190,934 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 76 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 61 |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 49.84 |
| Safety index | 44.45 | 50.16 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Providence's population is about 15% less than Tacoma.
- Providence's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Tacoma's score of 6.
- Providence is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 76 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
- With a score of 61 out of 100, Providence is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Providence's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 49.84 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
- Providence is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 50.16 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
- Air quality in Providence is Good, and in Tacoma it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Providence move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Rhode Island, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Rhode Island, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Providence. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Providence
With your sights set on The Creative Capital, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Providence.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Elmhurst
- Federal Hill
- Fox Point
- Mount Hope
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blackstone
- Wayland
- College Hill
- Hope
- Mount Hope
- Fox Point
Things to do in Providence
With your move to Rhode Island complete, you can dive right into experiencing Providence. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Providence is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence Children's Museum, John Brown House Museum, and Providence Art Club.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Providence Bruins (AHL)Brown Bears (Ivy League)Providence Friars (Big East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Providence?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Providence. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Providence?
Want to save on your move from Tacoma to Providence? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Providence take?
The 3,040-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Providence, RI, takes seven to 21 days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Providence.
What kinds of discounts do Tacoma movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tacoma?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 47 movers in Tacoma provide piano moving services. 37 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
