Moving from Providence, RI to Manchester, NH
The 94 mi from Providence to Manchester translate to about 2h 7m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
94 mi · 2h 7m by car · RI → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 495, US 3, RI 146 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Worcester, Cambridge, Boston, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Manchester and Providence is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Providence and Manchester are within 5% of each other ($426,007 vs $435,334 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 13°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 81°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 42.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1°F) and Manchester (47.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Manchester averages 52.8 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, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.33 |
Income steps up 3.8%: $66,772 in Providence vs $77,415 in Manchester.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Rhode Island and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 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 New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $426,007 in Providence — a 2.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Manchester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 47.4°F in Manchester vs 52.1°F in Providence (4.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 52.8 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 42.5 in vs 47.5 in.
Is Manchester more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 3.8% higher than Providence (105.657 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $66,772 in Providence — a 15.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 94 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Manchester, NH from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 94 mi and the route typically takes 2h 7m via I 495 and US 3. The trip crosses 3 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 · Manchester, NH.