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

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lansing to Providence (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,509, while larger moves may reach $8,812 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 Lansing.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $654 to $1,511, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Providence

Moving from Lansing to Providence comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Providence is generally more expensive than Lansing, 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:

Lansing Providence
Average rent cost $1,129 $2,200
Average home value $148,542 $398,785
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $69,956
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $5,406
Unemployment rate 7.4% 8.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.99%
  • Rent prices in Providence are 95% higher than in Lansing, 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 Lansing.
    Home prices in Providence are 168.5% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Providence is 8.1% higher than in Lansing, 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 56.3% higher than in Lansing. 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 28.7% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Providence is 16.22% higher than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Providence are 16.67% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Providence are 40.94% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,689.03 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Providence

Providence Lansing
Population 190,934 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 76 46
Bike friendliness score 61 55
Crime Index 49.84 48.66
Safety Index 50.16 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Providence is about 70% greater than Lansing, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Providence offers better access to buses and trains than Lansing, based on public transportation ratings. Providence has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 5 in Lansing. 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 Lansing. Providence is considered more walkable than Lansing, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Lansing. 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 Lansing 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 Lansing is rated as 55 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Providence as Lansing. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Providence is generally as safe as Lansing, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Providence and Lansing 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 Lansing 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 youโ€™re 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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

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 Lansing to Providence?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Lansing 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 Lansing to Providence take?

Moving from Lansing, MI to Providence, RI covers 774 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Lansing movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Providence.

Helpful moving resources