The best local movers for Boston to Providence moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Boston that also handles long-distance moves to Providence. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 96 local movers in Boston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boston to Providence.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Providence?
The average hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts is $126. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $291 – $922 | $99 – $629 | $31 – $77 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $660 – $2,076 | $322 – $930 | $38 – $101 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,018 – $3,189 | $697 – $1,312 | $51 – $117 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Providence
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Providence will cost between $291 and $922. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $660 to $2,076, and a large move from Boston to Providence will cost from $1,018 to $3,189.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Providence
If you’re moving from Boston to Providence, expect to pay between $99 and $629 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $322 up to $930. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $697 and $1,312. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Providence
Renting a moving truck from Boston to Providence is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $31 and $77. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $38 and $101. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $51 up to $117 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Providence
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $429, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $2,836.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($31–$106) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Boston to Providence
Many movers find Providence easier on the wallet than Boston – roughly 48% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Providence versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it’s $5,406 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $2,103 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $2,714 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $398,785 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $69,956 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $5,406 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 8.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 5.99% |
- If you’re heading to Providence from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 35% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 46% less in Providence than in Boston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 22% lower in Providence compared to Boston.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Providence. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 48% lower than in Boston.
- Choosing to move to Providence can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52% less than in Boston.
- In Providence, the unemployment rate is approximately 39% higher than in Boston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 12% in Providence over Boston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 33% less in Rhode Island than in Massachusetts. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Boston and Providence:
| Living Expense | Boston | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $293.60 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $5.19 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $63.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Boston than in Providence, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Boston than in Providence.
- Eggs are less expensive in Boston than in Providence.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Providence.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Providence.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Providence.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Providence.
How life is different in Boston vs. Providence
| Boston | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 190,934 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 76 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 61 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 49.84 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 50.16 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Providence’s population is about 72% less than Boston.
- Providence’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Providence is less walkable than Boston with a score of 76 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- Providence has a bike-friendliness score of 61 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Providence’s crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 49.84 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Providence is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 50.16 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Providence is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Providence move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Rhode Island moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Rhode Island doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Providence. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Providence
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The 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
- Hope
- Mount Hope
- Fox Point
Things to do in Providence
Once you’re settled into your new home in Rhode Island, it’s time to get out and discover what Providence has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Providence, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Providence Bruins (AHL)Brown Bears (Ivy League)Providence Friars (Big East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Providence?
The best time to move from Boston to Providence is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Providence?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Providence, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Providence take?
Moving from Boston, MA to Providence, covers 49 miles and usually takes to days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Providence.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Boston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 86 movers in Boston advertise piano moving expertise. 57 movers in Boston provide antique moving services. State totals show 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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