Moving from Providence, RI to Brockton, MA
Moving from Providence, RI to Brockton, MA 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
| Providence | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Brockton is 6.4% higher than Providence, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Brockton is 6.4% above Providence ($503,833 vs $426,007 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 50.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1°F) and Brockton (51.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Brockton averages 34.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.95 |
Median household income in Brockton is 6.4% above Providence ($66,772 → $77,089, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Brockton more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brockton is 6.4% higher than Providence (108.266 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Brockton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Brockton vs 52.1°F in Providence (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 34.3 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 50.2 in vs 47.5 in.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $66,772 in Providence — a 15.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Brockton compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $426,007 in Providence — a 18.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Brockton?
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 Brockton, MA from Providence, RI?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Brockton, MA.