With an estimated population of 1,622,520, exceeding that of Rhode Island by slightly over 60%, the Providence MSA is the 38th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

[4][5] The MSA covers all of Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts, with an average population density of 2300 per mi2 (888 per km2).

[10] The Providence-Fall River-Warwick RI-MA NECTA includes: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates commuter rail in the region, with the Providence branch of the Providence/Stoughton Line connecting the metropolitan area to Boston.

Green airport in Warwick and Wickford Junction in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, completed in 2012.

An extension of the Stoughton branch to Fall River and New Bedford is also planned as part of the South Coast Rail project.

Full completion of Phase II of the project, via the Stoughton branch, is expected by 2030, with a new seasonal stop opening on Fall River's waterfront at Battleship Cove at that time.