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

The cost of Manchester movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Manchester to Providence (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $714, while larger moves may reach $4,745 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 Manchester.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $121 to $224, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Manchester to Providence

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

Manchester Providence
Average rent cost $2,004 $2,200
Average home value $410,329 $398,785
Average income (per capita) $67,132 $69,956
Cost of living (single person) $2,449 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,256 $5,406
Unemployment rate 3.8% 8.6%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.0% 5.99%
  • Rent prices in Providence are 10% higher than in Manchester, 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 Providence.
    Home prices in Providence are 2.8% lower than in Manchester.
  • Income in Providence is 4.2% higher than in Manchester, 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 1.8% higher than in Manchester. 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 2.9% higher than in Manchester.
  • The unemployment rate in Providence is 126.32% higher than in Manchester.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Providence are 7.00% higher than in Manchester.
  • State income taxes in Providence are 49.75% higher than in Manchester.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,053.90 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Providence

Providence Manchester
Population 190,934 115,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 76 51
Bike friendliness score 61 42
Crime Index 49.84 56.09
Safety Index 50.16 43.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Providence is about 65% greater than Manchester, 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 Manchester, based on public transportation ratings. Providence has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Manchester. 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 Manchester. Providence is considered more walkable than Manchester, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 Manchester is rated as 42 out of 100.
  • Providence has a lower crime rate than Manchester based on scores of 49.84 and Manchester's 56.09, 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 Manchester, based on Providenceโ€™s safety index of 50.16 versus 43.91 for Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Rhode Island moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Rhode Island, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • 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 toProvidence Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Providence

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Creative Capital" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Providence to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Elmhurst
  • Federal Hill
  • Fox Point
  • Mount Hope

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blackstone
  • Wayland
  • College Hill
  • Mount 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 Manchester to Providence?

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

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

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

Moving from Manchester, NH to Providence, RI covers 103 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Manchester movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Providence.

Helpful moving resources