Moving from Providence, RI to Cambridge, MA
Moving from Providence, RI to Cambridge, MA is a 46 mi drive, about 1h 13m 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.
46 mi · 1h 13m by car · RI → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 1, US 3 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Boston, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Cambridge | 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge is 6.4% above Providence — $426,007 vs $1,041,569 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1°F) and Cambridge (51.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 6.4% above Providence ($66,772 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Cambridge, MA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 46 mi and the route typically takes 1h 13m via I 95 and US 1. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $426,007 in Providence — a 144.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 46 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $66,772 in Providence — a 89.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 6.4% higher than Providence (108.266 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Cambridge, MA.