Moving from Lancaster to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Lancaster to Riverside costs between $98 to $4,556 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 87-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lancaster to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lancaster to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lancaster 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 87 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,240 - $3,797 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $924 - $1,599 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $109 - $178 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $100/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 Lancaster to Riverside?
It costs between $98 to $4,556 to move from Lancaster to Riverside. The prices below break down your 87-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $661 - $4,556
- Moving containers: $635 - $2,113
- Rental trucks: $98 - $190
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $661 - $3,073 | $635 - $1,170 | $98 - $160 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,240 - $3,797 | $924 - $1,599 | $109 - $178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,696 - $4,556 | $1,169 - $2,113 | $123 - $190 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lancaster to Riverside
At 87 miles, your Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 87 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lancaster to Riverside. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Lancaster guide.
Considerations when moving from Lancaster to Riverside
Cost of living: Lancaster vs. Riverside
The cost of living in Lancaster vs. Riverside goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Riverside stacks up against Lancaster.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lancaster | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,600 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $400,712 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,083 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Riverside is roughly 12% less expensive than in Lancaster. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Riverside are 35% higher than in Lancaster. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Riverside, where the average salary is 16% higher than in Lancaster, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- If you’re moving from Lancaster to Riverside, you’ll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, your budget shouldn’t take a hit after the move.
- You can expect the cost of living in Riverside to be about the same as it was in Lancaster, so your budget shouldn’t take much of a hit after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 54% lower than in Lancaster, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll benefit from 15% lower sales taxes in Riverside compared to Lancaster, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Lancaster, expect to budget around $3,030 to maintain the same lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Riverside
As you plan your move, comparing life in Lancaster vs. Riverside is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Lancaster and Riverside to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Lancaster | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-38 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Riverside is about 83% larger than Lancaster. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Lancaster and Riverside siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Riverside and Lancaster are nearly identical, with averages around 94°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest part of the year, Lancaster is colder than Riverside, dropping to 31°F compared to Riverside’s low of 42°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Lancaster to Riverside. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 8 inches in Lancaster and 11 inches in Riverside.
- Riverside has no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Riverside has a lower crime rate than Lancaster, with a crime index of 40.24 vs 45.5.
Things to do in Riverside
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Riverside has something for everyone.
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 Lancaster to Riverside?
Moving your furniture from Lancaster to Riverside with a professional moving company usually ranges from $611 to $2,480. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,240 and $3,797. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,696 to $4,556 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Riverside?
If you’re moving from Lancaster to Riverside and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $481 to $1,093. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $924 and $1,599. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,169 to $2,113.
How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Riverside?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $99 and $148. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $109 to $178. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Lancaster to Riverside, rental prices generally fall between $123 and $190.
How far in advance should I book Lancaster-to-Riverside movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Lancaster to Riverside at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Lancaster-to-Riverside movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
If you want to save money on your move to Riverside, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
