Best San Francisco to Providence Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to Providence and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,142 mile move from California to Rhode Island go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 San Francisco to Providence moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $11,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to Providence. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Francisco to Providence Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Seven Moving9.379.54Authorized For HHGContact
3Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.329.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
5M&M Moving and Storage Company9.299.22Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Francisco to Providence

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,142 miles from San Francisco, CA to Providence, RI will cost on average $4,453 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Providence move is roughly $10,775. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,984300 ft³9.95
1 Bedroom$4,453450 ft³9.90
2 Bedrooms$7,384750 ft³9.85
3 Bedrooms$10,7751100 ft³9.80
4 Bedrooms$15,5931600 ft³9.75
5+ Bedrooms$17,4531800 ft³9.70
*Please note: These California to Rhode Island moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Rhode Island. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to RI mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Providence to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Providence Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Seven Moving Logo

Seven Moving

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,380+ data points

7 Strathmore Rd

Brookline, MA, 2445

About Seven Moving

Seven Moving is a professional moving company located in Brookline. It has been in business for over eight years and has...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Office & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2790199 / 930583

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved40,652 (2024)
View Full Review
2
B

Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

8 22nd St

San Francisco, CA, 94107

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
M&M Moving and Storage Company Logo

M&M Moving and Storage Company

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,840+ data points

15 Walkup Dr

Westborough, MA, 1581

About M&M Moving and Storage Company

Founded in 2006 by two brothers, M&M Moving and Storage Company helps individuals and businesses relocate with its professional moving services...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long-distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2015288 / 709686

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved420,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Francisco vs. Providence Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like exploring an uncharted territory. To ease the transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Providence, RI . This comparison aims to help you find a touch of familiarity in your new surroundings by identifying similar neighborhoods in your new city based on those you already know and love.

San FranciscoProvidenceHow They're Similar
The MissionFederal HillVibrant dining and nightlife
Haight-AshburyFox PointHistoric charm with a bohemian vibe
Pacific HeightsCollege HillAffluent area with stunning architecture
SOMA (South of Market)DowncityBustling business district and arts scene
North BeachWayland SquareIntimate eateries and quaint shops
MarinaElmhurstResidential, close to green spaces
Russian HillBlackstoneQuiet, picturesque, family-friendly
CastroHope VillageDiverse and community-focused
Nob HillSmith HillHistoric with a rich past
The SunsetMount PleasantCalm, suburban feel

Those moving from San Francisco's Marina district to Providence will find Elmhurst's serene residential setting a comforting parallel, including easy access to beautiful spaces like Fargnoli Park. Food enthusiasts who admire The Mission for its dining scene might fall equally in love with Federal Hill, known for its array of Italian dining spots, such as Pane e Vino and Siena. Meanwhile, San Francisco's SOMA residents accustomed to a rich cultural and arts scene will appreciate Downcity, Providence's answer to a vibrant downtown area packed with galleries, theatres, and modern eateries like The Dorrance. On the other hand, history and architecture aficionados moving from Pac Heights might see College Hill's grand historic homes and the cultural landmarks of Brown University as a welcoming new chapter.

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Things to Do in Providence

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Providence

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Providence, RI involves weighing both the upsides and the challenges to find the balance that's right for you. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision with clear expectations.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Frequent fog
Providence, RI iconProvidence, RI
  • More affordable
  • Less congested
  • Distinct seasons
Providence, RI iconProvidence, RI
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer restaurants
  • Lesser-known sights
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech hub
  • Diverse dining
  • Iconic landmarks

Moving to Providence from San Francisco presents a promising change, particularly for those seeking a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Providence's charm lies in its distinct seasons, offering a vibrant autumn display in places like Roger Williams Park and a snowy winter that transforms places like Waterplace Park. The culinary scene, while more compact than San Francisco's, boasts unique gems such as the Italian eateries on Federal Hill and the innovative dishes at Persimmon. While you may miss the bustling tech scene and iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Providence offers its own historical and cultural richness, with institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum offering a slice of artistic and educational prestige. The transition is a step into a different pace of life, where the more relaxed atmosphere allows for deeper exploration of the local community and its offerings.

San Francisco vs. Providence Food Guide

Exploring new cities involves diving into their culinary landscape as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we're going to illuminate the differences between your current and future homes by focusing on a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Providence . This will help you get a taste of what's waiting for you on the other side.

San FranciscoProvidence
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadStuffies (stuffed clams)
Most popular meat dishMission BurritoItalian Sausage
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosNew England Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • The Ramp
  • Zuni Café
  • Al Forno
  • Hemenway's
  • North
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from San Francisco to Providence, you'll be trading the iconic sourdough bread and the diverse food truck scene for stuffies and a vibrant New England hot dog culture. You might also notice that Providence has a fondness for Italian cuisine, with dishes like Italian sausage being popular among locals. For vegan options, while San Francisco’s avocado toast has become almost a cultural icon, Providence offers a variety of plant-based delights, such as seitan sandwiches. The transition offers an exciting opportunity to explore Providence’s culinary gems, including visits to iconic restaurants like Al Forno, known for its innovative Italian dishes, and North, which offers a modern take on local ingredients. Each city's food scene provides a unique lens through which you can experience and appreciate the local culture.

San Francisco vs. Providence Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, discovering new go-to spots for dining out is key to feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison from San Francisco, CA to Providence, RI will guide you in finding your next favorite eateries, making the transition smoother and tastier. Whether you’re in search of cozy cafes or elegant dining experiences, let this serve as your culinary compass.

San FranciscoProvidenceWhat You'll Love
Tartine BakerySeven Stars BakeryKnown for artisan breads and pastries, echoing Tartine's quality.
Zuni CaféAl FornoFamous for grilled pizza and Mediterranean dishes, akin to Zuni's approach.
La TaqueriaTallulah's TaqueriaOffers authentic, flavorful tacos and burritos in a vibrant setting.
Swan Oyster DepotHemenway'sPremier seafood dining, reminiscent of Swan's offering of fresh catches.
NopaNorthCreative, upscale American cuisine, with a continually changing menu like Nopa's.
Foreign CinemaCable Car Cinema and CafeThough more of an entertainment venue, it offers unique dining experiences similar in vibe to Foreign Cinema.
Gary DankoGracie'sFine dining with a focus on seasonal menus and impeccable service, paralleling Gary Danko's elegance.
State Bird ProvisionsBirchKnown for innovative tasting menus in a minimalist setting, offering a comparable dining adventure.
Mission Chinese FoodKim's RestaurantProvides a twist on traditional Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and unique dishes.
The Slanted DoorAngkor RestaurantOffers a modern take on Cambodian cuisine, reminiscent of The Slanted Door's approach to Vietnamese fare.

It's exhilarating exploring the diverse culinary landscapes of Providence, especially when you find places like Al Forno that conjure the ambiance and flavor of San Francisco's beloved Zuni Café. Venturing into Tallulah's Taqueria, you're greeted with tacos and burritos that rival those of La Taqueria, allowing you to savor familiar flavors in a new city. For those special nights out, Gracie's echoes the fine dining excellence of Gary Danko, ensuring that even the most discerning palates find satisfaction. Each restaurant in Providence brings a hint of San Francisco charm, providing a comforting bridge between the old and new. These establishments aren't just places to eat; they're experiences waiting to become part of your new local life.

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San Francisco vs. Providence Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor in a move, necessitating a grasp of how housing aspects compare. This comparison focuses on San Francisco and Providence , illuminating costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle attributes. It serves as a guide to understand the nuances of real estate in these contrasting cities.

ComparisonSan FranciscoProvidence
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ModernColonial, Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Tech-ReadyHistoric Charm, Spacious Yards

When delving into the specifics, the architectural essence of San Francisco and Providence significantly enriches their respective real estate markets. San Francisco's iconic Victorian houses and modern builds often feature tech-ready amenities, catering to the city's robust tech industry. On the other hand, Providence's real estate celebrates historic charm with plentiful Colonial and Victorian homes, often emphasizing spacious yards—a rarity in more densely packed urban areas like San Francisco. The difference in median home prices and rents reflect the economic disparities between these cities, yet both offer unique lifestyles. San Francisco scores higher in walkability and urban lifestyle, suggesting a more vibrant, albeit costly, city living experience compared to Providence's blend of urban and suburban feel.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Providence, RI

1. Wayland Square: Known for its quaint streets and pet-friendly atmosphere, you'll find numerous cafes and shops like the Jack's Snacks, a dog bakery, where you can treat your furry friend.

2. Fox Point: This neighborhood boasts the Gano Street Dog Park along with several pet-friendly walking paths along the Providence River, making it an ideal spot for you and your pet to enjoy the outdoors together.

3. Elmhurst: Highlighted by its proximity to the expansive Roger Williams Park, Elmhurst offers you and your pet plenty of green space to explore, including off-leash areas and scenic walking trails.

San Francisco vs. Providence Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the shift in climate and weather conditions is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to equip you with a clear view of how the weather in San Francisco, CA compares to Providence, RI , ensuring you're well-informed and prepared for the new weather patterns you'll experience.

Summer icon
68°F / 55°F

San Francisco, CA

83°F / 63°F

Providence, RI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

37°F / 23°F

Providence, RI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23

San Francisco, CA

47

Providence, RI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

34

Providence, RI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoProvidence
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, FogBlizzards, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the mild and foggy climate of San Francisco to the more seasonal extremes in Providence will bring noticeable changes. In Providence, you'll experience hot summers and cold, snowy winters - a stark contrast to San Francisco's cooler and more consistent climate. The significant difference in sunlight days may impact how you spend your time outdoors. Despite the higher humidity in San Francisco, Providence's humidity levels are still considerable, accompanied by a differing set of allergens due to the varying local flora. Understanding these climatic differences can help you prepare for changes in your daily routine and health management after your move.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Providence

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're stepping into. Our comparison aims to illuminate the differences between San Francisco, CA and Providence, RI in terms of money and finance , providing a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

ComparisonSan FranciscoProvidence
Avg. Household Income$121,826$60,970
Cost of Living Index164123.3
State Income Tax13.35.99
Avg. Property Tax0.61.63
Avg. Sales Tax8.57
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismEducation, Health Services, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

Moving between San Francisco and Providence introduces you to a starkly different financial environment. San Francisco's high average household income corresponds with its costly living expenses, driven by a high cost of living index and steep state income tax. Despite these costs, the city's economy is buoyed by robust sectors like technology and finance. Providence, on the other hand, offers a more moderate living cost and income scenario but faces challenges with higher poverty rates. Understanding these differences aids in financial planning and setting realistic expectations for your new city life.

San Francisco vs. Providence Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from San Francisco to Providence. Understanding these aspects can help in anticipating the cultural and social adjustments required in your new city.

San FranciscoProvidence
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesMixed, with progressive leanings
ReligionDiverse, with a significant non-religious populationDiverse, Catholic majority

In both San Francisco and Providence, you’ll find a liberal/Democratic political makeup, suggesting that your transition might feel relatively seamless in terms of political culture. However, local politics in Providence tend to be a mix, leaning progressive but perhaps not as left-leaning as San Francisco's noted progressive policies. Religious diversity is present in both cities, though Providence has a more pronounced Catholic presence. This aspect may influence the community events and activities available, providing a different cultural texture to your new home compared to the more secular atmosphere you may be accustomed to in San Francisco.

San Francisco vs. Providence Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison aims to better understand the daily commute and traffic in San Francisco & Providence, facilitating a smoother transition for those planning to move.

ComparisonSan FranciscoProvidence
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesWith Difficulty

In San Francisco, the combination of BART, MUNI buses and trains, and other services make it quite feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle, despite the high traffic congestion. However, Providence, while having its own public transportation in the form of RIPTA buses, doesn’t offer the same level of convenience and coverage, making car ownership more of a necessity for broader exploration and comfort. Average commute times also reflect this difference, revealing a streamlined transit system in San Francisco that, despite its busyness, manages to serve its residents efficiently.

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