Moving from Modesto to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Riverside costs between $425 to $7,678 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 363-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto 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 363 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,108 - $5,734 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,359 - $2,673 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $445 - $922 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Riverside?
It costs between $425 to $7,678 to move from Modesto to Riverside. The prices below break down your 363-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,273 - $7,678
- Moving containers: $1,063 - $3,468
- Rental trucks: $425 - $1,103
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 - $4,659 | $1,063 - $1,809 | $425 - $770 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,108 - $5,734 | $1,359 - $2,673 | $445 - $922 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,279 - $7,678 | $1,889 - $3,468 | $567 - $1,103 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Riverside
At 363 miles, your Modesto 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 Modesto to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 363 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Riverside. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Riverside
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Riverside
Comparing life in Modesto 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 Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 28% higher than in Modesto. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Riverside are 30% higher than in Modesto. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Riverside is 14% higher than in Modesto, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 11% higher in Riverside compared to Modesto. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating to Riverside, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 6% lower than in Modesto. 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 11% lower than in Modesto, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Riverside and Modesto, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Modesto, you’d need roughly $3,330 to maintain the same lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Riverside
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Riverside compared to Modesto. 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.
| Modesto | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Riverside is approximately 45% greater than the population of Modesto. 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.
- Modesto and Riverside both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Modesto 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 Modesto and Riverside experience similar lows—expect 39°F in Modesto and 42°F in Riverside.
- Both Modesto and Riverside experience similar annual rainfall, with Modesto receiving 13 inches and Riverside getting 11 inches.
- Both Modesto and Riverside receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- You’ll feel safer in Riverside, thanks to its lower crime index (40.24) compared to Modesto (65.76).
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 Modesto to Riverside?
Shipping furniture from Modesto to Riverside with a mover will cost between $1,222 and $3,582. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,108–$5,734, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Modesto to Riverside will cost from $3,279–$7,678.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Riverside?
If you're moving from Modesto to Riverside and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $758 to $1,885. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,359 and $2,673. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,889 up to $3,468.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto 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 $430 and $762. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $445 to $922. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Modesto to Riverside, truck rental prices typically range from $567 up to $1,103.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Riverside movers?
For a smooth move from Modesto 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.
