Key factors that impact the cost of your Baltimore to Providence move
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Providence
Moving from Baltimore to Providence comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Providence is generally more expensive than Baltimore, itโs 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:
Baltimore | Providence | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,200 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $398,785 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $69,956 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $2,493 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $5,406 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 8.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 5.99% |
- Rent prices in Providence are 38% higher than in Baltimore, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Providence are 120.6% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Providence is 19.9% higher than in Baltimore, 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 12.1% higher than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Providence, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Providence is 6.3% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Providence is 8.86% higher than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the cityโs sales taxes in Providence are 16.67% higher than in Baltimore.
- State income taxes in Providence are 4.17% higher than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,364.37 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Providence
Providence | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 190,934 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
Walkability score | 76 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 61 | 53 |
Crime Index | 49.84 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 50.16 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Providence might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 67% less than Baltimore.
- Getting around Providence without a car might be more difficult than in Baltimore. Providence has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Baltimore is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Providence means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Baltimore. Providence is considered more walkable than Baltimore, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 64 out of 100 in Baltimore. A cityโs 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore is rated as 53 out of 100.
- Providence has a lower crime rate than Baltimore based on scores of 49.84 and Baltimore's 72.72, 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 Baltimore, based on Providenceโs safety index of 50.16 versus 27.28 for Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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 youโre considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Rhode Island moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Rhode Island doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Providence. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Providence
Ready to relocate to "Creative Capital"? Here are some of the top 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
- Fox Point
Things to do in Providence
After settling into your new Rhode Island home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Providence has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial โ among other sites โ 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 Baltimore to Providence?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Baltimore to Providence are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Baltimore are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Providence?
With many people choosing to move from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Providence take?
Moving from Baltimore, MD to Providence, RI covers 371 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Baltimore movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Providence.