Key factors that impact the cost of your Mobile to Providence movetoggle

The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Mobile to Providence (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,509, while larger moves may reach $9,761 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Mobile.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,005 to $2,625, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Mobile to Providence

Moving from Mobile to Providence comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Providence is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Mobile Providence
Average rent cost $1,300 $2,200
Average home value $186,159 $398,785
Average income (per capita) $61,962 $69,956
Cost of living (single person) $1,825 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,104 $5,406
Unemployment rate 6.2% 8.6%
Sales tax 10.0% 7.0%
State income tax 5.0% 5.99%
  • Rent prices in Providence are 69% higher than in Mobile, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
    Home prices in Providence are 114.2% higher than in Mobile.
  • Income in Providence is 12.9% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Providence include Textron, United Natural Foods, and Citizens Financial Group.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Providence, since the cost of living for a single person in Providence is 36.6% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Providence, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Providence is 31.7% higher than in Mobile.
  • The unemployment rate in Providence is 38.71% higher than in Mobile.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Providence are 30.00% lower than in Mobile.
  • State income taxes in Providence are 19.80% higher than in Mobile.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,098.08 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How life is different in Mobile vs. Providence

Providence Mobile
Population 190,934 187,041
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 76 32
Bike friendliness score 61 34
Crime Index 49.84 64.95
Safety Index 50.16 35.05
Air Quality Good Good
  • Providence and Mobile have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Rhode Island easier.
  • Providence offers better access to buses and trains than Mobile, based on public transportation ratings. Providence has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Mobile. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Providence means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Mobile. Providence is considered more walkable than Mobile, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Mobile. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Providence is considered more bike-friendly than Mobile in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Providence has a bike-friendliness score of 61 out of 100, while Mobile is rated as 34 out of 100.
  • Providence has a lower crime rate than Mobile based on scores of 49.84 and Mobile's 64.95, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Providence than in Mobile, based on Providenceโ€™s safety index of 50.16 versus 35.05 for Mobile. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Providence and Mobile is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Providence move

  • Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 youโ€™re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Rhode Island moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Providence

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Creative Capital", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Providence.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Elmhurst
  • Federal Hill
  • Fox Point
  • Mount Hope

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blackstone
  • Wayland
  • College Hill
  • Mount Hope
  • Fox Point

Things to do in Providence

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Rhode Island, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Providence has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Providence features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence Children's Museum, John Brown House Museum, Providence Art Club, and Lippitt House Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Providence Bruins (AHL), Brown Bears (Ivy League), or Providence Friars (Big East) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Mobile to Providence?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Mobile to Providence are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Mobile are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Providence?

With many people choosing to move from Mobile to Providence in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Mobile to Providence take?

Moving from Mobile, AL to Providence, RI covers 1,372 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Mobile movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Providence.

Helpful moving resources