Moving from Fontana to Riverside, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Riverside costs between $40 to $3,998 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 9-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fontana to driving and unloading in Riverside, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 9 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $795 - $2,472 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $391 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $121 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Trek Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fontana to Riverside?
It costs between $40 to $3,998 to move from Fontana to Riverside. The prices below break down your 9-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $435 - $3,998
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,550
- Rental trucks: $40 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $435 - $1,321 | $127 - $806 | $40 - $95 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $795 - $2,472 | $391 - $1,177 | $48 - $121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303 - $3,998 | $776 - $1,550 | $66 - $149 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fontana to Riverside
At 9 miles, your Fontana to Riverside move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fontana to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 9 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fontana to Riverside. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to Riverside
Cost of living: Fontana vs. Riverside
Comparing life in Fontana and Riverside goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Riverside stacks up against Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 24% lower than in Fontana, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Riverside and Fontana are about the same, so you probably won’t see much difference in your housing costs. That makes it simpler to stick to your financial plans.
- Income in Riverside is 10% lower than in Fontana, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Riverside means you’ll spend 13% less on living expenses than you would in Fontana. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Riverside, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 18% lower than in Fontana. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 7% lower than in Fontana, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales tax in Riverside is 13% higher than in Fontana, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Fontana, you’d need roughly $2,610 to maintain the same lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Riverside
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Riverside compared to Fontana. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Fontana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Riverside is approximately 49% greater than the population of Fontana. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Fontana and Riverside both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Fontana and Riverside won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 94°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Fontana and Riverside experience similar lows—expect 43°F in Fontana and 42°F in Riverside.
- Both Fontana and Riverside experience similar annual rainfall, with Fontana receiving 14 inches and Riverside getting 11 inches.
- Both Fontana and Riverside receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Riverside (40.24) than in Fontana (31.65).
Things to do in Riverside
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Riverside.
Museums in Riverside
- March Field Air Museum
- Mission Inn Museum
- Riverside Art Museum
- Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
- Heritage House
Parks in Riverside
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Fairmount Park
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
- Ryan Bonaminio Park
- Hunter Park
Sports teams in Riverside
- California Baptist Lancers (College sports)
- UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)
- Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball
Universities in Riverside
- California Baptist University
- California Southern Law Schoo
- La Sierra University
- National University
- Riverside City College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to Riverside?
Shipping furniture from Fontana to Riverside with a mover will cost between $361 and $1,214. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $795–$2,472, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Fontana to Riverside will cost from $1,303–$3,998.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to Riverside?
If you're moving from Fontana to Riverside and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $121 to $766. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $391 and $1,177. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $776 up to $1,550.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to Riverside?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $37 and $96. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $48 to $121. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Fontana to Riverside, truck rental prices typically range from $66 up to $149.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-Riverside movers?
For a smooth move from Fontana to Riverside, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
To score the best moving deals to Riverside, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
