Moving from Providence, RI to Sugar Land, TX
Cross-country relocations like Providence, RI → Sugar Land, TX cover 1830 mi and about 34h 28m of driving through 14 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1830 mi · 34h 28m by car · RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Sugar Land | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Providence (101.773) and Sugar Land (98.629) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Sugar Land at $447,176 is 3.1% above Providence at $426,007.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Sugar Land -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 51.1" |
Major climate step-up: 18.5°F warmer annual average in Sugar Land vs Providence.
Effectively snow-free year in Sugar Land — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, SUGAR LAND, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 109,735 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $137,511 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 42.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 35.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.9 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.1% between Providence and Sugar Land (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sugar Land MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Rhode Island and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Sugar Land average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Sugar Land averages 51.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Providence and Sugar Land?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.6°F in Sugar Land vs 52.1°F in Providence (18.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 51.1 in vs 47.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Providence to Sugar Land?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1830 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 Sugar Land?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $137,511 in Sugar Land vs $66,772 in Providence — a 105.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Sugar Land, TX from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 1830 mi and the route typically takes 34h 28m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 14 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Sugar Land compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $447,176 in Sugar Land vs $426,007 in Providence — a 5.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Sugar Land more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sugar Land is 3.1% lower than Providence (98.629 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 · Sugar Land, TX.