Moving from Providence, RI to Springfield, MA
Relocating between Providence, RI and Springfield, MA is a 83 mi drive β 1h 44m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
83 mi Β· 1h 44m by car Β· RI β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, MA 146, RI 146 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Worcester, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.6% cheaper overall in Springfield than Providence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 45.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.67 |
Expect median household income to fall 5.6% β $66,772 β $51,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
When is the best time to move from Providence to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 83 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, MA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 83 mi and the route typically takes 1h 44m via I 90 and MA 146. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $426,007 in Providence β a 30.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $66,772 in Providence β a 23.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.6% lower than Providence (96.061 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 Β· Springfield, MA.