Moving to: Boston vs Providence (calculator, income tax, exemptions)

[Shutout]

Providence probably makes the most sense unless you want to spend your workdays driving, working, driving, sleeping... repeat with little else to do.

[johngolf]

Back a few years ago, I lived in Andover MA and worked for a company in Providence. I knew Providence quite well. I think for a single person in their 30's that greater Providence has all one could ask for. Granted on a smaller scale then Boston but the cost of living and lack of commute makes the Providence area even more attractive.

Try the coffee milk....LOL

[timberline742]

Definitely Providence, great little city and you have the hard part covered, a job.

[TX_FL_GA]

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. It seems the consensus is for Providence with Boston the weekend commute. Overall, I agree, I woould "live" in Boston, but, the week commutes is pretty much going to zap an opportunity of going out until the weekends. In which case, I might as well go with staying cheaper in Providence and make the weekend commute to Boston.

I'll also do more research on the train, because, even on weekends would be nice to take a ride over vs. commuting.

Thanks again to all.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by TX_FL_GA

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. It seems the consensus is for Providence with Boston the weekend commute. Overall, I agree, I woould "live" in Boston, but, the week commutes is pretty much going to zap an opportunity of going out until the weekends. In which case, I might as well go with staying cheaper in Providence and make the weekend commute to Boston.

I'll also do more research on the train, because, even on weekends would be nice to take a ride over vs. commuting.

Thanks again to all.

Train service on the weekend is horrible; It's especially bad on Sunday.

[mp775]

It's not that bad; about every two hours. You can also drive to the end of the Green, Orange, or Red lines and not deal with Boston driving and parking.

[TX_FL_GA]

Any comments about the taxes in RI? I hear they make it almost worth to live somewhere in MA vs. RI.

[ormari]

Originally Posted by TX_FL_GA

Any comments about the taxes in RI? I hear they make it almost worth to live somewhere in MA vs. RI.

Taxes are a very valid concern, and from what I've heard about Texas taxes, they'll take your breath away, RI or MA.

You are considering working in Woonsocket, so you will pay RI income tax regardless of where you live. Income tax is slightly higher in RI, though when I lived in MA, after I got done paying RI, MA still extracted more from me. I'm not sure if Mass rates went down, RI went up, or both.

Sales tax is 0.75% higher in RI vs. MA.

Property tax rates are higher in RI, but property values are generally lower. If you are renting, that should be factored into the rents already.

Both RI and MA have an excise tax on vehicles. It's a dirty little secret. It is a little convoluted so you'll want to research it, but basically people with cars pay it yearly, and those with new cars get hammered on taxes in both places. Even people with older cars can have some hefty bills. Providence has the highest excise tax rate in all of Rhode Island and it is higher than the Mass rate by quite a bit.

You might as well know that insurance is pretty expensive too. Call your company and ask them to run some numbers for you. If you're going to relocate, you're wise to go into it with your eyes wide open. I like Providence, and do find it cheaper than Boston. But it is not free.

[independent man]

Originally Posted by TX_FL_GA

Any comments about the taxes in RI? I hear they make it almost worth to live somewhere in MA vs. RI.

Most comparative taxes are generally higher in RI than Mass unless you choose Jamestown or Little Compton. Property and Car taxes are outrageous in RI and when you factor in the value received for your tax dollar, RI is especially wanting. But, it sounds like since you're going to work in RI, your choices will be less tax dependent than impacted by what is your best commute option. As long as you're going to rent and not buy, consider paying the extra cost of owning a car in RI and live in PVD. I know several CVS employees who do and they love it.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by mp775

It's not that bad; about every two hours. You can also drive to the end of the Green, Orange, or Red lines and not deal with Boston driving and parking.

First train on Sunday doesn't leave until after 11 am. On both Saturday and Sunday the last train is at 11 pm, which doesn't support staying out late in the city. Anyway, you're looking at the published schedule and not the real life performance which is abysmal.

Regarding driving to the end of the T lines- At that point you may as well drive straight into Boston where you can park for $9/day on the weekend. The traffic usually isn't that bad on the weekend.

Originally Posted by TX_FL_GA

Any comments about the taxes in RI? I hear they make it almost worth to live somewhere in MA vs. RI.

As others have said, you will pay RI income taxes no matter where you live. If you live in MA, you will have to fill out both a non-resident RI return and a resident MA return. It's not a huge hassle but I'm not sure you would see any real advantage to living in MA.