($1,718) Movers From Billings, MT to Providence, RI

What to know before moving from Billings to Providence

Moving from Billings to Providence comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Providence is generally more expensive than Billings, it’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:

• Rent prices in Providence are 69% higher than in Billings, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Billings.
  Home prices in Providence are 4.5% higher than in Billings.
• Income in Providence is 10.1% higher than in Billings, 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 40.6% higher than in Billings. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 19.2% higher than in Billings.
• The unemployment rate in Providence is 109.76% higher than in Billings.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the city’s sales taxes in Providence are 7.00% higher than in Billings.
• One perk of moving to Providence is paying less in state income taxes, which are 11.26% lower than in Billings.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,218.27 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.

How life is different in Billings vs. Providence

• Providence and Billings 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 Billings, based on public transportation ratings. Providence has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Billings. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Providence means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Billings. Providence is considered more walkable than Billings, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Billings. A city’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 Billings 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 Billings is rated as 47 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Providence as Billings. 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 80–100.
• Providence is generally as safe as Billings, 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 Billings 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 Billings 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 you’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\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’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.

Helpful moving resources