Rhode Island / Providence County

Moving to Providence, RI

Thinking of making a move to Providence, RI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Providence, RI

Considering a move to Providence, RI? This welcoming community of 190,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $410,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Providence's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Providence, RI

Providence has a population of 190,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 16% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 38% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
190,000
Density
10,700 per sq mi
Median Age
31.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
38.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
39.0%
Black
16.0%
Asian
6.6%
Others
38.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Providence, RI?

The cost of living in Providence is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 114.8. Median home values are around $410,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$410,000
Gross Rent
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 3.75%| High: 5.99%
Cost Of Living Index
114.8
Grocery
111.0
Housing
118.0
Utilities
116.5
Transportation
108.7
Health Care
112.4
Miscellaneous
109.8

Crime

Is Providence, RI a safe place to live?

Providence is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 600 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 37. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Rhode Island.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
600
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,700
Crime Index
3,300
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 167
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 37

Weather

What is the weather like in Providence, RI year-round?

Providence experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
23°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,500 and a low poverty rate of 24.0%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 19% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$72,500
Family Income
$86,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$42,500
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
24.0%
Non English Speakers
31.0%
Rent
$1,750
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
18.5%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.5%
Bachelors or More
35.0%

Education

How are the schools in Providence, RI?

Providence offers quality education options, with public schools like Classical High School, Hope High School, and Grewal Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University, and Providence College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Classical High School
Street
770 Westminster St
Phone
401-456-9145
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Hope High School
Street
324 Hope St
Phone
401-456-9110
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Grewal Elementary School
Street
10 Irving Ave
Phone
401-456-9400
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5

Private Schools

Name
Moses Brown School
Street
250 Lloyd Ave
Phone
401-831-7350
Students
810
Name
La Salle Academy
Street
612 Academy Ave
Phone
401-351-7750
Students
1,450
Name
Providence Country Day School
Street
660 Waterman Ave
Phone
401-438-5170
Students
460

Colleges

Name
Brown University
City
Providence
State
RI
Distance
0 miles
Students
10,700
Name
Rhode Island School of Design
City
Providence
State
RI
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,500
Name
Johnson & Wales University
City
Providence
State
RI
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,000
Name
Providence College
City
Providence
State
RI
Distance
3 miles
Students
4,700

Healthcare

Providence residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, and Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
The Miriam Hospital
Address
164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906
Phone
(401) 793-2500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Rhode Island Hospital
Address
593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone
(401) 444-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
Address
101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905
Phone
(401) 274-1100
Type
Maternity & Specialty
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
78.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Providence, RI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $410,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 5.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Providence offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
42.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.0%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Providence handle vehicle services through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Cranston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Rhode Island
Department
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone
1-401-462-4368

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Providence, RI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Providence, review the core fields on this page: population 190,000, median home value $410,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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