Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A typical 48-mile move from Boston to Providence runs $52–$2,520 and takes . Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Providence to Boston guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Boston to Providence
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Boston to Providence isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your MA to RI move
The best local movers servicing Boston to Providence moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Boston that offers long-distance services to Providence can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Boston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Boston to Providence.
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Michael's Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31321
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1696867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Providence?
Boston movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $375 - $1,130 | $125 - $788 | $38 - $103 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $802 - $2,520 | $379 - $1,236 | $52 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,288 - $4,238 | $857 - $1,660 | $63 - $152 |
Cost to hire movers from Massachusetts to Rhode Island
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, you can expect to spend between $375 and $1,130. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $802 to $2,520 on the same route (MA to RI). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Massachusetts to Rhode Island typically runs between $1,288 and $4,238.
Cost of moving containers from Massachusetts to Rhode Island
Moving containers from Massachusetts to Rhode Island will cost you $125 to $788 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $379 to $1,236. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $857 to $1,660. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Massachusetts to Rhode Island
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $38 and $103. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $52 to $126. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $63 and $152.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Boston to Providence move
What to know before moving from Boston to Providence
Moving from Boston to Providence means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Providence, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Providence so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boston | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $398,785 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $69,956 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $5,406 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 8.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 5.99% |
- Rent prices in Providence are 35% lower than in Boston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Providence.
Home prices in Providence are 46.0% lower than in Boston. - Income in Providence is 21.6% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Providence — including Textron, United Natural Foods, and Citizens Financial Group — may pay more.
- 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 48.3% lower than in Boston.
- A move to Providence can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52.2% less than what it costs in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Providence is 38.71% higher than in Boston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Providence, since its sales taxes are 12.00% higher than what you are paying in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Providence is paying less in state income taxes, which are 33.44% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,551.66 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Providence
| Providence | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,934 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 76 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 61 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 49.84 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 50.16 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Providence's population is about 72% less than Boston.
- Providence's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Boston's higher 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 61 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- 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 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 you’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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: 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
With your sights set on 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
Things to do in Providence
After settling into your new Rhode Island home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Providence has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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, Providence Art Club, and Lippitt House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Providence Bruins (AHL), Brown Bears (Ivy League), or 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?
With many people choosing to move from Boston 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 Boston to Providence take?
The 48-mile move from Boston, MA, to Providence, RI, takes . Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Providence.
