Moving from Brockton, MA to Providence, RI
Moving from Brockton, MA to Providence, RI is a 33 mi drive, about 53 min by car. This is a local relocation — same-day moves are typical — but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
33 mi · 53 min by car · RI → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, MA 123, MA 106 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Cambridge |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Providence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 101.773 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 148.809 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 97.116 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 103.851 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Providence are 6.0% below Brockton — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 6.0% lower in Providence than Brockton as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Brockton | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | 47.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.4°F vs 52.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Providence sees 36.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 2.71 |
Median household income in Providence is 6.0% below Brockton ($77,089 → $66,772, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and Rhode Island
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Rhode Island's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Providence averages 36.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Rhode Island after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $503,833 in Brockton — a 15.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Brockton to Providence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 33 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Providence, RI from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 33 mi and the route typically takes 53 min via I 95 and MA 123. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Providence more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 6.0% lower than Brockton (101.773 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Brockton and Providence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Providence vs 51.4°F in Brockton (0.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.6 in vs 34.3 in. Annual precipitation: 47.5 in vs 50.2 in.
How does household income compare in Brockton vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $77,089 in Brockton — a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA · Providence, RI.