Is the Ocean State calling to you? Moving from Boston to Rhode Island is a big decision, but it comes with many advantages. Whether you’re embarking on your big move from one state to another to pursue job opportunities, live closer to family, enjoy a slower pace of life, or buy a home in a more affordable city, it helps to know what to expect.
An interstate move from Boston can be stressful, challenging, and exciting. Professional Boston to Rhode Island movers can streamline your move so you can start enjoying everything your new location has to offer. Here’s what you should know about moving from Boston to Providence or elsewhere in Rhode Island and how our New England movers can help you.
What to Expect When Moving to RI From Boston
As you prepare for your big move, you may want to consider some adjustments you will need to make as you settle into your new location. Like Rhode Island, Boston is known for its coastal lifestyle, rich history, and prestigious educational facilities. While Boston has Harvard and MIT, Rhode Island has Brown University. There are some differences, though.
One of the first adjustments to make? Giving up the excellent public transportation in Boston. Even in Providence, Rhode Island simply doesn’t measure up to Boston when it comes to public transit. You’ll also miss Boston Logan International Airport and its many nonstop destinations.
For families, it can be hard to leave the great schools of Boston including some of the country’s top public schools. Schools in Rhode Island don’t have the best reputation. The state introduced a new star rating system in 2024, but it still highlights how far behind many of the state’s public schools are now.
When it comes to the climate, both Rhode Island and Boston have a humid continental climate, but certain southern coastal areas of RI fall into the subtropical climate type. Rhode Island gets 42” to 46” of annual rainfall on average but it varies by region. The western uplands get 48” of annual rainfall while the Bay area gets just 23” on average. Boston gets 47” of rainfall on average.
Compared to the 48” of annual snowfall in Boston, Rhode Island’s snowfall ranges from 20” on Block Island and the southern Narragansett Bay area to up to 55” in the western portion of the state.
Benefits of Moving From Boston to Rhode Island
There are many reasons to make the move to Rhode Island from Boston. While there are some adjustments to make, you’ll still be in the New England area and close enough to everything Boston has to offer but with a slower pace of life, more affordable living, and small-town charm.
#1. Less Traffic
If there’s one thing Bostonians know, it’s traffic. The city has the second worst traffic in the country and the fourth worst in the world. Drivers in Boston spend 134 hours in traffic congestion and waste $2,270 in gasoline per year.
Even traffic in Rhode Island’s largest city, Providence, is no comparison. Drivers in Providence spend about 42 hours per year in traffic.
#2. Lower Cost of Living
The Boston cost of living is notoriously high. It’s the most expensive city in the U.S. for renters with an overall cost of living that’s 50% higher than the U.S. average. Many prospective home buyers in Boston, Massachusetts, are also priced out of the market. In many of the best neighborhoods, you’ll need more than $2 million to buy the typical home.
Lower living costs, and more affordable housing in particular, are a major driver for people moving from Boston to Providence and other RI cities. When you compare the Boston versus Providence cost of living, you’ll see a dramatic difference. Providence is just 7% above the U.S. average and 28% more affordable than Boston. Most Providence costs are lower than Boston, including transportation, healthcare, and home prices, and rent prices.
| Housing Costs in Boston Versus Rhode Island | ||
| Average Rent | Median Home Price | |
| Boston | $3,832 | $797,000 |
| Providence | $2,456 | $443,750 |
| East Providence | $1,965 | $407,000 |
| Newport | $1,940 | $692,000 |
| Cranston | $1,820 | $382,500 |
| Warwick | $1,733 | $366,000 |
| Pawtucket | $1,740 | $346,000 |
#3. Unique Festivals and Events
Rhode Island is made up of small towns and small cities with tons of unique events throughout the year. In Providence, you’ll love WaterFire, a stunning fire and water installation on the three rivers in the city, the Providence Children’s Film Festival, and events related to the city’s famous author, H.P. Lovecraft: the NecronomiCon Providence convention, the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, and CthulhuCon.
Pawtucket is known for its fun cultural festivals that celebrate its diversity. The Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival is a big draw for people throughout the region. You’ll also enjoy festivals like the Polish American Festival, the Greek Festival, the Colombian Day Festival, and the biggest annual bash of all: the Pawtucket Arts Festival.
Still not sure if moving from Massachusetts to Rhode Island is the right decision? If you want to stay in the New England area, you can also explore the benefits of a move from Boston to Vermont or New Hampshire.
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Boston to Rhode Island Long-Distance Moving Services
An interstate move from Boston requires coordination and planning. Professional movers can make your long-distance easier with customized moving services. Here are some ways Boston to Rhode Island moving companies can give you peace of mind and a stress-free relocation.
- Avoid strenuous manual labor and heavy lifting
- Moving day is streamlined and carried out according to plan
- Belongings are packed by professionals with the right supplies to ensure they make it to your new location without damage
- Moving truck is loaded securely and unloaded efficiently
- You don’t need to drive a large rental truck to your new location
- Furniture is unassembled, prepped, and reassembled at your new house
Your move from Boston doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right Boston to Rhode Island moving company by your side, you will be settled into your new home and ready to enjoy everything the Ocean State has to offer in no time.
Mass Bay Movers – the Best Boston to Rhode Island Moving Company
Mass Bay Movers has earned a great reputation for seamless interstate moves and superior customer service. Our fully licensed moving company has served customers since 2005 with efficient Boston to Rhode Island relocation services and competitive rates.
We’re ready to give you the smooth transition you deserve as you embark on a big move to a new state. We look forward to adding you to our long list of satisfied customers!
Get started by calling our friendly long-distance moving team at (978) 587-3775 to discuss the details of your upcoming move and how we can help. We’ll give you a free moving quote personalized to your needs.
How Much Do Boston to Rhode Island Movers Cost?
The cost of long-distance moves from one state to another are based on many factors. Unlike local moves, which typically have an hourly moving rate, a long-distance relocation is normally priced based on distance, weight of household goods, and labor services.
Here are some important factors to consider to help you estimate your costs and save money when hiring professional movers.
- Household goods. The weight of your belongings is a critical factor to determine your moving rate. Weight isn’t all the matters; there may be an additional cost for certain items.
- Labor. The amount of work your move will involve may be a factor in your total cost.
- Distance. The greater the distance, the more expensive your relocation.
- Level of service. If you’re willing to handle some of the work yourself, you can save money on your move. Full-service movers assemble furniture, handle the packing and unpacking, and also provide services like storage. This will add to your cost.
- Moving dates. Sometimes the day and time of the year your relocate affects your cost. The cheapest time to move is on a weekday, not the weekend, and during the off season, not during the summer.
- Other services and costs. Don’t forget to consider costs beyond the moving company. You may need junk removal to downsize before your move, for example. Additional services like custom crating or piano moving can also add to your total cost. You will also pay for expenses like packing supplies and boxes whether you hire movers or not.
- Insurance. Get coverage for your household belongings to make sure they are protected during the move. You can buy insurance coverage through your moving company or separately. Released value coverage is the most affordable but it pays a low, flat amount per pound. Full value coverage reimburses you the cost to replace belongings that are stolen, damaged, or lost based on their current market value.
Mass Bay Movers takes pride in affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We’re ready to give you a personalized moving estimate based on the details of your upcoming move.
Rhode Island – Boston Distance & Travel Information
With the moving truck loaded, the movers will be on their way to your new home. The next step is for you to make the trip yourself. It’s just 51 miles from Boston to Providence along I-93 and I-95. Towns like Westerly can take up to an hour and a half to reach from Boston.
You can also take the train from Boston to Rhode Island. The MBTA’s Providence/Stoughton commuter rail line stops at Providence, Pawtucket, TF Green Airport in Warwick, and North Kingstown. It’s the cheapest option if you aren’t driving. Amtrak’s Acela train has multiple daily departures from Boston to Providence.
Are you ready to start your new life in the Ocean State? Mass Bay Movers is the Boston to Rhode Island moving company you can count on for an easy and worry-free moving experience. Call our friendly team today at (978) 587-3775 to get started with your free, personalized moving quote!
