Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Providencetoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Providence can be as low as $1,992 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $17,601.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,988 to $5,194. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Providence

Portland Providence
Average rent cost $1,530 $2,200
Average home value $522,596 $398,785
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $69,956
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,406
Unemployment rate 6.9% 8.6%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.0%
State income tax 9.9% 5.99%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Providence are 44% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Providence are 23.7% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Providence is 18.5% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Providence is 3.1% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Providence is 11.0% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Providence is 24.64% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Providence are 7.00% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Providence are 39.49% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,907.85 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Providence

Providence Portland
Population 190,934 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 8
Walkability score 76 81
Bike friendliness score 61 92
Crime Index 49.84 57.37
Safety Index 50.16 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Providence's population is about 71% less than Portland.
  • Providence's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
  • Providence is less walkable than Portland with a score of 76 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Providence's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 49.84 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Providence is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 50.16 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Providence is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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 youโ€™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.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Creative Capital", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Providence.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Blackstone
  • Wayland
  • College Hill
  • Hope
  • Mount Hope
  • Fox Point

Things to do in Providencetoggle

After settling into your new Rhode Island home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Providence has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™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 cityโ€™s 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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Providence?

The best time to move from Portland to Providence is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

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

Because most people are moving from Portland to Providence in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Providence take?

The 3,074-mile move from Portland, OR, to Providence, RI, takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Providence.

Helpful moving resources

Portland moving services

Popular Oregon routes

Popular moving resources